Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations

This chapter discusses the benefits of federalism in the policy process, outlines the Founders’ vision for federalism, describes contemporary models of federalism, and examines intergovernmental relations and policymaking. The Clinton Administration—along with a Republican-controlled Congress during much of the Clinton presidency—offered a new vision of cooperative federalism. Fiscal federalism illustrates the differences between how classical liberals and modern liberals view the role of government. The dual federalism model illustrates quite well that a once prevalent view of what government ought to do. Nation-centered federalism is consistent with a Hamiltonian view of what government ought to do. One important consideration imbued in nation-centered federalism is a belief that state and local governments are either resisting or downplaying the need to promote political and social equality. Nation-centered federalism was seen by its proponents as a practical solution to the intransigence of many state and local governments.