Federal-state Relations
How Federal Actions Affect Costs for States and Cities
In October 2025, Los Angeles County declared a state of emergency in response to a wave of federal immigration raids. Officials said the raids were causing…
Intergovernmental Cooperation
Intergovernmental cooperation is how governments at different levels, and governments at the same level, work together. Federal, state, tribal, and local governments share information, pool resources, and agree to common rules so that services and laws can cross borders. Tools include interstate agreements, regional authorities, and agreements between cities and counties.
People usually bring questions about how states honor each other's licenses and court orders, how agencies catch suspects across borders, and why neighboring towns sign shared-service deals. Others ask how governments learn from each other's policies and how regional bodies handle problems that cross boundaries.
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September 20last updated
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Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
The Webby-recognized AI behind our articles »
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When a high-profile crime shocks the nation, the clock starts ticking. In the chaotic hours after an attack, a massive machine of federal, state, and local…
Law Enforcement
How States Catch Criminals Across Borders
Few sections of the Constitution are as practical and consequential in their daily application as Article IV. While other articles establish the grand structures of the…
Intergovernmental Cooperation
Why Your Driver’s License Works in All 50 States
Most Americans take it for granted that they can drive from Maine to California using a single state-issued driver's license. This mobility enables commerce, tourism, and…
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Understanding Federal Discretionary, Formula, Block, and Pass-through Grants
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