Chapter 18 – Intergovernmental Relationships

This chapter explains how federal, state, and local governments in the United States share power and work together. You’ll learn about federalism and how responsibilities are divided between the federal and state governments. We’ll also explore the relationship between state and local governments, including the Dillon Rule and Home Rule, which determine how much control local governments have.

Understanding these connections helps explain how public policies are created and put into action. These relationships affects things like funding decisions and how governments team up to solve regional problems. Knowing how these relationships work gives you a better understanding of how government functions in everyday life.