American Federalism: A Concise Introduction

By Larry N. Gerston

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765616726
• ISBN13: 9780765616722
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 197 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 8.8"