Date of Award:

5-2017

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Political Science

Committee Chair(s)

Damon Cann

Committee

Damon Cann

Committee

Randy Simmons

Committee

Josh Ryan

Abstract

The relationship between city and state government has been contentious at times throughout American history. Cities only have the legal authority granted to them by state government, yet many cities have cause to seek policy that may not be in the interest of those who govern the state. Leaders of American states may choose to preempt municipal authority by removing the legal power of a city to perform certain actions. While preemption provides states with a tool for regulating the policies and practices that cities may pursue, it is unclear whether city leaders act cautiously to avoid preemption, or instead only pursue different policy goals once preemption removes more preferred options. This thesis examines this question through an experimental research design where, under varying degrees of threatened preemption, elected municipal officials were asked about their potential support for a new broadband internet service provision. The results of this research suggest that perceived threats of preemption do not have a significant effect on the policy choices of city leaders, and that preemption remains a blunt instrument for states in directing municipal policy outcomes.

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