Federalism and the Making of America

Some of the most spectacular political conflicts in American history have been fought on the battlefield of federalism—the division of government authority between the national government and the states—including states’ rights to leave the union and responses to the problems of race, poverty, pollution, and gay rights. This indispensable text treats the politics of federalism systematically and accessibly. The new edition shows that past choices shape present circumstances, and that a deep understanding of American government, public policy, political processes, and society requires an understanding of the key steps in federalism’s evolution in American history.