American Federalism has been a very effective framework for sustaining our democracy. This overlapping and complementary system of government allows governmental leaders at all levels to develop their own political, social, and economic governance structures, and to provide indispensable goods and services to their constituencies. However, there are drawbacks to this multi-layered governance system as state and local governments often pursue their own goals and objectives, sometimes in conflict and sometimes in concert with federal goals and objectives. Consequently, each of these governance systems, local, state, and federal, have their own similarities, differences, strengths and weaknesses. For this Final Paper, you will apply critical thinking skills and research capabilities to investigate selected state and local governments. First, analyze and discuss the similarities and differences between three state and local governments recognized for their distinctive governing features. California, Louisiana, and New York City governments have unique and similar programs, policies, and processes that should be the core research material for this assignment. Next, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these selected state and local governments. Finally, discuss the overall effectiveness of each government.   Use the following outline as a guide for the development of your Final Paper: Introduction (half page): Overview:  Briefly describe your main points. Thesis: Discuss why are you evaluating these various levels of government. Discussion and Analysis (five to six pages): Describe the structure, governing powers, and economic situation of the California, Louisiana, and New York City governments. Discuss one issue where each of these governments has conflicted, compromised, or cooperated with the federal government:  Discuss one issue concerning California’s government. Discuss one issue concerning Louisiana’s government. Discuss one issue concerning New York City’s government. Examine governmental programs, policies, and processes that affect the citizens of these three states and cities:  Examine one governmental program, policy, or process that has had a positive impact and one governmental program, policy, or process that has had a negative impact on the citizens of California. Examine one governmental program, policy, or process that has had a positive impact and one governmental program, policy, or process that has had a negative impact on the citizens of Louisiana. Examine one governmental program, policy, or process that has had a positive impact and one governmental program, policy, or process that has had a negative impact on the citizens of New York City. Evaluations (four to five pages): Describe programs, policies, or processes that have made each of these governments successful and discuss why these programs, policies, or processes were successful.  Concentrate your discussion on how t ...

1. American Federalism has been a very effective framework for
sustaining our democracy. This overlapping and complementary
system of government allows governmental leaders at all levels
to develop their own political, social, and economic governance
structures, and to provide indispensable goods and services to
their constituencies. However, there are drawbacks to this
multi-layered governance system as state and local governments
often pursue their own goals and objectives, sometimes in
conflict and sometimes in concert with federal goals and
objectives. Consequently, each of these governance systems,
local, state, and federal, have their own similarities,
differences, strengths and weaknesses.
For this Final Paper, you will apply critical thinking skills and
research capabilities to investigate selected state and local
governments. First, analyze and discuss the similarities and
differences between three state and local governments
recognized for their distinctive governing features. California,
Louisiana, and New York City governments have unique and
similar programs, policies, and processes that should be the core
research material for this assignment. Next, evaluate the
strengths and weaknesses of these selected state and local
governments. Finally, discuss the overall effectiveness of each
government.
Use the following outline as a guide for the development of
your Final Paper:
Introduction (half page):
Overview: Briefly describe your main points.

2. Thesis: Discuss why are you evaluating these various levels of
government.
Discussion and Analysis (five to six pages):
Describe the structure, governing powers, and economic
situation of the California, Louisiana, and New York City
governments.
Discuss one issue where each of these governme nts has
conflicted, compromised, or cooperated with the federal
government:
Discuss one issue concerning California’s government.
Discuss one issue concerning Louisiana’s government.
Discuss one issue concerning New York City’s government.
Examine governmental programs, policies, and processes that
affect the citizens of these three states and cities:
Examine one governmental program, policy, or process that has
had a positive impact and one governmental program, policy, or
process that has had a negative impact on the citizens of
California.
Examine one governmental program, policy, or process that has
had a positive impact and one governmental program, policy, or
process that has had a negative impact on the citizens of

3. Louisiana.
Examine one governmental program, policy, or process that has
had a positive impact and one governmental program, policy, or
process that has had a negative impact on the citizens of New
York City.
Evaluations (four to five pages):
Describe programs, policies, or processes that have made each
of these governments successful and discuss why these
programs, policies, or processes were successful.
Concentrate your discussion on how these programs, policies,
and processes overcame conflict, created compromise, and
enabled cooperation.
Based on your evaluation, determine which government,
California’s, Louisiana’s, or New York City’s, is the most
effective at meeting the needs of its citizens and discuss why it
is the most effective.
Conclusion (half page):
Review of main points.

4. Review of overall thesis.
Writing the Final Paper
The Final Paper:
Must be 10 to 12 double-spaced pages in length (not including
cover page and references), and formatted according to APA
style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
Must include a title page with the following:
Title of paper
Student’s name
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Date submitted
Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct
thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.
Must use at least five scholarly resources , APA style.