American Federalism: A Concise Introduction

by Larry N. Gerston

Understanding federalism - the form of political organization that unites separate polities within an overarching political system so that all maintain their political integrity - is central to the study of democratic government in the United States. Yet, many political scientists treat federalism as a set of abstract principles or a maze of budgetary transfers with little connection to real political life. This concise and engaging book boils the discussion down to its essence: federalism is about power, specifically the tug for power among and within the various levels of government. Author Larry N. Gerston examines the historical and philosophical underpinnings of federalism; the various "change events" that have been involved in defining America's unique set of federal principles over time; and the vertical, horizontal, and international dimensions of federalism in the United States today. The result is a book examining the ways in which institutional political power is both diffused and concentrated in the United States.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Chadkovski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good and brief introduction to federalism and federalists in the USA. "A few years after the American Revolution ended, the US Constitution was drafted. It detailed a federal system of governance for the new nation – the states would each have their own governments alongside a central government. This proposed system had supporters and detractors. The group that supported it, and therefore the Constitution that outlined it, were called the Federalists. The most prominent among them are John Jay, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton who collectively wrote 85 essays defending the Constitution and federalism which are today called the Federalist Papers."

[Liam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise introduction to American Federalism. In this book, Gerston talks about many of the issues , from Rules on Power and Governance, to agents of change from the institutions of American Federalism like the courts and president, to political parties and interest groups. He also discusses vertical and horizontal federalism, as well as a look at Federalism in the 21st Century.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty solid. enjoyable, considering the subject matter.