States' identification of governance-related roles and responsibilities as part of their Race to the Top--Early Learning Challenge applications sheds light on the complexity presently characterizing ECE governance. A review of nine state submissions found on the BUILD Initiative website (buildinitiative.org) reveals that within each state, six to 14 state-level governance-related entities coexist. Add to this landscape a lack of consensus on the role of governance and its functions (Goffin, Martella, & Coffman, 2011), and the plethora of organizations, structures, and purposes presently associated with ECE governance becomes apparent. Few would use this reality, though, to justify retreating from governance as a crucial element of a well-functioning ECE system. Thus, it is timely to consider the consequences of choices made to date and to (1) revisit the question of government's responsibility in ECE, particularly as it relates to which ECE "parts" should fall under its purview, and (2) recognize capacity issues associated with increased visibility and politicization of ECE and the drive toward consolidated governance structures. Our intent in this chapter is to bring fresh thinking to the topic and catalyze further discussion. (author abstract)