The most commonly overlooked aspect of American government is that laws are separated by locality. It seems obvious to us when we think about traffic laws, gun laws, or age of consent — but when we need help, that distinction never seems to cross our mind. When people have a problem with government, they go to the government. But people often aren’t approaching their issue at the right level of government — namely, people contact the federal government regarding problems over which the federal government has little to no jurisdiction.
Here’s one quick question that people can’t seem to answer consistently: If you have a problem with the Texas Workforce Commission, who do you call?
The answer is obvious — and in the name. You call Texas government, because the organization is run by Texas.
So what makes so many Texans think that federal government (namely members of Congress) will be able to help you solve a problem handled by the Texas government?
One conversation I had when redirecting a constituent to his State Represenative went roughly so:
“Sir, the Texas Workforce Commission is a Texas agency. I can redirect you to your Texas State Senator and Representative, who may be able to help you.”
“Well I contacted them already… but I thought maybe if you got Charlie (Rep. Charles Gonzalez, D-TX) to bring out the big guns, things might get done faster.”
“I can take note of your complaint, but it would be inappropriate for the Congressman to step outside of the limits of his office.”
“Well let him know, I’m sure when he hears this he’ll get on it. You know, I met his father…”
Seriously? Is this how uneducated the citizenry is? I get calls about City Public Service, local/state crime (those incarcerated in state detention facilities love contacting US Congressmen to ask for pardons), neighbor complaints, and all sorts of bizarre things that have nothing to do with the federal government and probably never will (despite complaints that we’re becoming some sort of socialist state, we enjoy remarkable freedom of self-government).
The next time you want to call an official, think: on of what level of government does your agency sit?
Then call.
