p.5 Real-Life Examples of Federalism in Action by Jennifer Shapiro

King County Dog License

jshapiro5 — 2025-09-16 17:55:43 UTC

Local Government - King County
King Count Title 11 Animal Care and Control
11.04.030 Pet licenses and registrations - requirements - exceptions - requirements for veterinarians and shelters that sell or give away pets without licenses.

A. Any owner of a pet eight weeks old and older in King County for more than thirty days shall license and register that pet, but this provision does not apply to a pet walker, sitter, or other temporary custodian, if that person can verify the pet owner's name and contact information. The license must be renewed on or before the date of expiration.

This is done at the local level because it is much more efficient for smaller local level government to register dogs, as if they are lost it is likely to be locally. It would be too overwhelming for the federal government, or even the state, to do this task.

Vending Machine

2025-09-17 16:56:29 UTC

Teacher Certification

2025-09-17 16:57:01 UTC

Constitution

2025-09-17 16:58:24 UTC

Food liscence

2025-09-17 17:00:45 UTC

Chemistry shower

2025-09-17 17:01:13 UTC

Fire escape plan

2025-09-17 17:01:51 UTC

Equipped with locks WA State law

2025-09-17 17:02:58 UTC

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Braille signage for bathrooms

2025-09-17 17:04:17 UTC

Federal Action: Vending Machine Safety Act of 2005

2025-09-17 17:06:07 UTC

Fire Extinguisher

chigh2026 — 2025-09-19 16:43:13 UTC

WAC 296-800-30005

(1) You must provide approved portable fire extinguishers for your workplace and distribute them so they are readily accessible.

(2) You must mount, locate, and identify portable fire extinguishers so employees can easily reach them, without being subjected to possible injury.

This is a state-level law, since fire safety standards are different for each state and it's easier to let state legislature decide rules on it.

Fire Alarm

2025-09-19 16:44:31 UTC

At the federal level the US government sets safety codes and guidelines that states use. The government doesn't issue the fire alarm permits.

Fire Extinguisher

2025-09-19 16:45:52 UTC

The OSHA and NFPA set standards for placement, type, inspection, and maintenance. Issued and enforced by the state.

Food safety certification law

dgarlitz2026 — 2025-09-19 16:46:29 UTC

This certificate makes sure that food establishments have safe and quality food for people to eat. It includes regulations and standards that ensure food is handled, prepared, and stored safely to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

This is a federal law that also has some other restrictions depending on the state

Elevator Warnings

2025-09-19 16:46:46 UTC

The primary elevator code in Washington State for existing buildings is based on ASME A17.3, while new installations and alterations are guided by ASME A17.1. These codes are adopted and enforced by Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) and require permits for operation and modernization projects. You can find the relevant regulations under WAC Chapter 296-96, which provides the safety standards and fee structure for all conveyances.

Flag Pole

2025-09-19 16:48:46 UTC

AED requirement

2025-09-19 16:50:05 UTC

RCW 28A.300.471

Washington requires public high schools to have access to an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and to provide training in health classes for their students. Schools also receive funding to install these devices, and individuals who use them are protected under the Good Samaritan Law in Washington State.

AED requirements are handled at the state level because health and safety in schools fall under state laws, not federal law. The federal government provides limited protections, such as funding, but doesn’t mandate AED placement because it's too specific for federal law to enforce.

Library Occupancy Certificate

2025-09-19 16:50:14 UTC

This certificate is a local law as it only applies to buildings in Seattle. It is required as per the Seattle Building Code, Section 305, Group E: "Educational Group E. Educational Group E occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, by six or more persons at any one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade."

A more general definition: "The provisions of this chapter shall control the classification of all buildings and structures as to occupancy and use. Different classifications of occupancy and use represent varying levels of hazard and risk to building occupants and adjacent properties"

Basically any building that is to be used to occupy people must follow this code.

Reserved Parking

2025-09-19 16:50:15 UTC

Accessibility Ramp

2025-09-19 16:51:44 UTC

fmarona2026 — 2025-09-19 16:53:21 UTC

In the United States, the requirement for elevators in schools is primarily governed by federal accessibility laws, especially the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The United States prioritizes non-discrimination against disabled individuals after the Civil Rights Movement. If a school has multiple levels, they are required to have an elevator for disabled individuals so they have an equal opportunity for education.

2025-09-19 16:54:33 UTC

WAC 51-50-1110

Each toilet room and bathing room shall be accessible. Where a floor level is not required to be connected by an accessible route, the only toilet rooms or bathing rooms provided within the facility shall not be located on the inaccessible floor. Except as provided for in Sections 1110.2.4 and 1110.2.5 at least one of each type of fixture, element, control or dispenser in each accessible toilet room and bathing room shall be accessible.

This is a state law because it would be harder to enforce if it was a federal law. Along with this, this law is meant to supplement the Americans with Disabilities Act, which is a federal law.