Federalism and American Political Development

Discussion questions for Wednesday, August 25, 2010

• READ:     Tabarrok, "Arguments for Federalism"
                 "States Rights is Rallying Cry of Resistance for Lawmakers"
                 Ford, "The New Blue Federalists"
                 Schattschneider, The Semi-Sovereign People, 3-18

1. What are the chief arguments for "state's rights" in the U.S.? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each argument?

2. What are the chief arguments that liberal Democrats could make for "states' rights"? What are some examples?  Do liberals and conservatives have any areas of agreement on the value of federalism?

3. What are Schattschneider's main arguments?  Apply these ideas to federalism in the U.S.  How does Schattschneider's piece undermine conservative and / or liberal arguments for federalism?