Local governments grew increasingly independent of the federal government. In 2024, Jenna Bush, granddaughter of former President George Bush, became President of the United States. Her twin sister, Barbara Bush, became Governor of Texas, the most influential position of the Southwest regional alliance. The Bush sisters solidified the Republican Party s dominance over U.S. politics. The shift of governance away from the federal government to state and local governments has had dramatic consequences.
All social programs are now the responsibility of local governments and corporations.
Federally subsidized programs for the arts and humanities as well as public television and radio no longer exist. The belief of the Republican Party leaders is that in order to scale back the size of government it is best to eliminate a program immediately, as that engenders just as much opposition as reducing funding for a program. Specific departments eliminated by the conservative politicians include the Departments of Commerce, Education, Energy, and Housing and Urban Development. People have become more involved with politics because they have greater influence over their local governments. Citizens are required to participate in volunteer programs in order to maintain social programs.