Federalism in Texas The state of Texas practices a political culture based on traditionalistic and individualistic values. It is evident that the state of Texas falls into the historical interpretation of cooperative federalism. Cooperative federalism is metaphorically represented by the marble-cake in the sense that the power of state and local governments becomes blended and cannot be properly distinguished. Cooperative federalism, otherwise known as the marble-cake federalism can best be used to describe Texas due to the fact that Texas is incredibly active in interpreting states’ rights. In other words, Texas is effectively taking advantage of and enacting on the benefits and power that the Texas constitution has to offer. Texas attorneys …show more content…
The senators of Texas attempt to preserve their power against the expansion of a federal government and this pushes a sense of cooperative federalism. One of the biggest issues that has caused a conflict between the state of Texas and the government is that of healthcare. The idea of healthcare has resulted in a forced collusion between the both the state and the government. The health care reform can be translated back to the Affordable health care act that was signed by former president Obama in March of 2010. Texas initially “refused to set up an Obamacare exchange.” (Kaye). Eventually the law was accepted under challenging terms. However, the debate over the health care system continues to be challenged by many states, including Texas. Cooperative federalism is being pushed as the state will only enlist in accordance with its own terms implemented as well. In fact, "A coalition of 20 U.S. states sued the federal government on Monday …show more content…
To clarify, the state does not possess the freedoms it once practiced as a republic. However, as a state that practices cooperative federalism, it works alongside with the government’s powers to find middle ground solutions. Welfare reforms, can also be categorized into being a result of cooperative federalism between the federal government and the state of Texas. To further explain, the government set a welfare reform law, however, “states were afforded a great deal of flexibility to design tier own welfare reform strategies.” (Sawhill, et al.). Cooperative federalism was actively present as the regulations and the concept of establishing a welfare program was set by the federal government, yet open to interpretation by each state. In response to the power adhered by the government, the House Bill of 1863 set “time limits and work requirements” for those who were in need of critical assistance. (TWC). Texas cooperatively worked with the regulations set by the government, concerning a welfare reform, and established a large amount or programs. One of these programs was TANF, or the Temporary Assistance of Needy Families. Cooperative federalism allowed for the government to create a law that benefited those who were unfortunate as well as established grants in aid in states, such as Texas, who were granted the power and ability to interpret this law in the format that best targeted a solution to the growing