Ever wanted to play on Jeopardy? Whether you have or haven’t, I’m sure you would love to to impress your friends and family with some newly acquired knowledge about state and local governments. In this week’s State and Local Spotlight we have some state and local fast facts for you. 
Question: Where does the one common stream of funding for state and local governments come from?
- Answer: The federal government. All state and local governments receive some sort of federal funding, which acts as a baseline for the state’s revenue.
Question: States allocate most of their state spending on what?
- Answer: Education. According to a recent report by the National Association of State Budget Officers, the single biggest expenditure in all states is education.
Question: States produce this to estimate the probable revenues and costs that may be incurred as a result of a bill or joint resolution.
- Answer: A fiscal note. This is necessary for policymakers to understand the commitment that comes with a new policy. This estimate is prepared by a state’s Office of Budget and Program Planning.
Question: From whom do local governments receive power?
- Answer: The state. A local government must be granted power by their respective state.
Question: What other government entity operates under local governments?
- Answer: A district. Various kinds of districts (i.e. school districts) also provide functions in local governments.
Question: What amendment in the U.S. Constitution grants states power?
- Answer: The Tenth Amendment. It states that all powers not granted to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people.
Question: What local government entity functions outside of county or municipal boundaries?
- Answer: A district. One such example is a fire protection district.
Question: Today, about 80% of the American population resides in this form of local government.
- Answer: A municipality. Municipalities cover towns, cities, or borough governments.
Question: Each state is led by this elected official.
- Answer: A governor.
Question: These federal departments are responsible for passing down legislation to a given sector of government.
- Answer: Regulatory agencies. There are currently fourteen federal departments that are considered regulatory agencies and they pass legislation down to state and local governments.
DOUBLE Jeopardy: The federal government imposes what two major types of regulations on state governments?
- Answer: Programmatic funding for the delivery of services and compliance. *One of the biggest compliance areas is centered on how state and local governments obtain, store, and manage data.
BONUS Question: State and local governments generally raise revenue taxes to receive funding through which three types of taxes?
- Answer: Sales, income, and property tax.
If you wish to become an expert in all things state and local, please be on the lookout for our upcoming state and local guide. In the mean time, if you wish to keep up with your state and local knowledge, check out this blog post and take our quiz!