Federalism in Texas: Navigating State-Federal Tensions on Immigration, Education, and Health

Abstract

Relationship between the Texas State and the National Government. For us to make a viable argument on the relationship between Texas state and the federal government, it is essential to understand the term federalism. Federalism is a situation where one or two governments control a geographical area. The United States embraces federalism in its governance, including state and federal authority on the share of governance. The various roles of the two entities, the state, and the federal government, have been dynamic since the formation of states. the system has witnessed a shift in power and roles periodically. The federal system of governance came with the constitution's ratification in 1787. Texas is the second-largest state in the United States, both by population and area. Texas has a lot of lawsuits pending against the federal government. It has fought the federal government on various issues, including voting rights, environmental degradation, health, education, and immigration; the various issues create conflict between the state and the national government on the role of each in governance. Both the state and national governments can create laws and enact policies relevant to their citizens, but the laws sometimes tend to conflict. This essay aims to focus on federalism between the national government and the government of the state of Texas using the tents of immigration, health, and education. Policies such as education, health, and immigration are critical issues and should be enforced by the government. The US Constitution grants the federal government constitutional powers on immigration. According to (Neuman), the powers include; determining where aliens shall be admitted to the US, regulation of conduct before naturalization, and the terms and conditions of naturalization. The states have no such powers. The aspect of immigration is a hot debate in the state of Texas. Response to immigration is controversial in many states, and federal government intervention is necessary to enact universal laws. Texas is a passageway for most immigrants, majorly from Mexico, and most of them are undocumented. Texas is majorly Republican, and this party has been associated with hostile responses to immigration. The federal government is essential in moderating harsh responses to immigrants and enacting powers limited to the constitution. States have a constitutional mandate to enact education policies in their jurisdictionEducation policies are the rules and laws that govern education systems in the US. Texas Education Agency directs rules and regulations that govern the state. There are many illegal immigrants in Texas, which costs their children's education since they are undocumented. Under Governor Gregg Abbot, his administration is requesting the federal government's intervention in educating noncitizens. The Texas state is accusing President Joe Biden’s administration of failing to secure the border,...