Local Government and the Effects of Modern Federalism

Abstract

Since the beginning of the U.S. Constitution, state governments have possessed great control over the power of local governments. In 1868, State Representative Robert Dillon of Iowa voiced a theory of strong control of state lawmakers over the state's municipalities. Dillon's Theory was thought to be the norm across the states until the Progressive Era with the passage of Home Rule Charter and Optional Plan Laws. While the great reforms of local government were to have changed, the power relationship, the real fact is that little but structure has altered. With states unwilling to truly alter this power structure, general assemblies have left municipalities in financial distress with an inability to address their local needs effectively.