Can the U.S. Federal Government force a State or City Government to pay for something in a congressional bill? I am writing a bill and its to creating foreign exchange programs for high school students and for it to be funded, I want the federal gov. to fund 50%, state 30%, and city 20%. However, I was told there is a separation of powers between the governments and this might not be able to be done. Can anyone help me? Thank you.
2007-03-17 17:09:12 · 5 answers · asked by dconeg21 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
Since I can't, is there any way for the State or City Government to help pay? Or does the Federal government have to fund all?
2007-03-17 17:15:58 · update #1
Since the House of Representatives and Senate are voting on the bill, isn't it like the states are voting so they are accepting to pay if it were to pass?
2007-03-17 17:32:23 · update #2
there r already many too foreign exchange programs,, i personally dont care to have my tax money squandered having more rich kids hoping all over the world on my dime; you want to study in dubiah-- get your daddy to send you.
2007-03-17 17:19:08 · answer #1 · answered by mr.phattphatt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. It's called an "unfunded mandate".
The federal government cannot declare that something must be legally done by a state or local government, and then not provide the funds to do it.
Nor can the federal govt require that a state (or city) pass a certain law. That's part of the sovereign nature of states, which is part of the separation of powers doctrine.
The only thing the federal government can do is make an allocation of federal funds contingent on state action. So, the state can either choose to take the action, or refuse the money. That's not a violation of separation of powers.
2007-03-18 00:12:06 · answer #2 · answered by coragryph 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
While I agree with Corag...s analysis..there are ways around it...certain laws have been written as to "Force" assistance...like the National drinking age...failure to adopt the policies would cost the state their highway money....
You need powerful support for them to force it down the throats of the states and cities...more than likely it will not happen....
2007-03-18 00:47:58 · answer #3 · answered by Real Estate Para Legal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you direct the bill to the local govt if approved by them they can request funding from the state and federal levels
2007-03-18 00:46:43 · answer #4 · answered by aarika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course they can.
2007-03-18 00:13:23 · answer #5 · answered by just me 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋