Interstate Compact

Definition

An interstate compact is a contract between two or more states. It carries the force of statutory law and allows states to perform a certain action, observe a certain standard, or cooperate in a critical policy area.

• Establish a formal, legal relationship among states to address common problems or promote a common agenda;

  • Create independent, multistate governmental authorities (such as commissions) that can address issues more effectively than a state agency acting independently, or when no state has the authority to act unilaterally; and

  • Establish uniform guidelines, standards or procedures for agencies in the compact’s member states.

There are more than 200 active interstate compacts. Twenty-two of them are national in scope, including several with 35 or more member states and an independent commission to administer the agreement. More than 30 compacts are regional, with eight or more member states. Examples of well-known interstate compacts include the New York-New Jersey Port Authority Compact, the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority Compact, the Multistate Tax Compact, and the Southern Dairy Compact.

Example

Questions

1. What is an interstate compact?

2. Why do interstate compacts get created?

3. How do interstate compacts relate to federalism?

4. What emoji would best represent an interstate compact?

5. What is a current example of an interstate compact?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw interstate compact! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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Further Review

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