American Federalism: A Concise Introduction: A Concise Introduction (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780765616722)

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.

Author: Larry N. Gerston
ISBN-10: 0765616726
ISBN-13: 9780765616722
Publisher: Routledge
Language: English
Published: 02/15/2007
Pages: 197
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.81h x 6.25w x 0.56d

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 05/01/2007 pg. 171