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Federalism Library

The Federalism Library is an online multimedia collection of articles, books, and podcasts exploring contemporary and classic questions related to federalism. It includes material created by the Center for the Study of Federalism, as well as carefully curated information from prominent writers on federalism.

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Federalism Digests

Policy Diffusion among the U.S. States (May 2024)

The states are policy innovators, developing new solutions to many of the most pressing issues facing the country.

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Environmental Law and Federal Preemption

Kamaile A.N. Turčan writes that a trio of recent U.S. Supreme Court cases relating to environmental law, when considered together, diminish the federal preemption power.…

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Federalism and Public Trust

Jason E. Thompson contends that federalism is the key to restoring public trust in the United States. Read more here.

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States Attempt to Fill Hospital Funding Gaps

Anna Claire Vollers reports on steps that some states are taking to shield hospitals from the federal funding cuts in the recently passed tax and…

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Interview About Paradiplomacy

Marquette Today has posted an interview with Professor Lucia Kovacikova about how states and other subnational governments are engaging in their own foreign policy through paradiplomacy.…

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OECD Releases Report on Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has released a working paper on intergovernmental fiscal transfers and fiscal equalization. Read more here.

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Belgium Moves Toward Unicameral Federalism

Belgium plans to adopt a system of "unicameral federalism" by abolishing its Senate. Mathias El Berhoumi examines the history of the Senate and how the nation has…

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Call to “Restore” Federalism in South Africa

Ayanda Zulu writes that although South Africa's 1996 constitution created a federal state, "in practice, the country has remained functionally unitary, with a central…

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Preemption, Labor, and Detention Capitalism

A post on the Harvard Law Review federalism blog explores Nwauzor v. GEO Group, Inc., a recent Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision that the writer…

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Should America Abolish Its States?

Stephen H. Legomsky has written Reimagining the American Union: The Case for Abolishing State Government (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2025). The author explores the idea that…

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Federalism Tracker Updated

The Federalism Index Project has recently updated its "Federalism Policy Tracker," which follows federalism-related legislation, regulation, and state actions. Read more here.

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State Finance Commissions and Fiscal Devolution in India

Mayuri Gupta and deesha khaire examine the workings of State Finance Commissions and consider the challenges that these bodies face. Read more here.

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Discussion of Federalism in Nepal

Narayan Aryal writes that the "relevance and future of federalism have once again become subjects of national debate." He presents an interview with the pro-federalism writer Bhawani…

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Does Alberta Seek “Sovereignty Within a United Canada” Through Separation?

Parul Kanwar writes that although a bill introduced into Alberta's legislature by Premier Danielle Smith would lower barriers to a separation referendum, Smith continues…

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Center for the Study of Federalism (CSF)?

The Center for the Study of Federalism (CSF) is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary research and education institution dedicated to supporting and advancing scholarship and public understanding of federal theories, principles, institutions, and processes as practical means of organizing power in free societies.

Who are the Fellows at the Center for the Study of Federalism?

All of the CSF Fellows hold advanced degrees, are affiliated with academic institutions, and are scholarly experts in their fields. For more on each Fellow see CSF Fellows.

What is the purpose of the CSF website?

Most political and public issues in the United States are influenced to some extent by its federal system. Yet many do not understand that system. The CSF website seeks to foster a better understanding among the general public and scholars of federal governing systems generally and, specifically, of the federal system of government in the United States of America.

Are the materials on the Center for the Study of Federalism website copyright-protected?

The CSF materials are free to use for educational purposes. If published, please acknowledge CSF as the source. If you intend to use these materials for profit, please, contact the Center for the Study of Federalism for permission. Some materials on the website are not owned by CSF and permission to use those materials should be sought with those holding legal title to the material.

How do I sign-up for the CSF listserv?

Click here to sign-up to receive notifications about CSF materials and events. We will not share your email with any outside organizations or individuals.

Who do I contact for questions or comments about your programs and the information provided on this website?

Please direct all questions and comments related to this website, and inquiries about the research and teaching grants and awards, to us here. Remember CSF is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary research and education institution.

Federalism Matters Podcast

Federalism is American government’s best kept secret. Its influence is pervasive and profound. Though not mentioned in the Constitution, federalism’s meaning and application have been at the center of disputes from 1776 to the Civil War to our current culture wars. We are scholars who focus on federalism, and through this podcast, we explore how federalism, from practice to theory, shapes our politics, policies, culture, society, and daily life.

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The Federalism Minute

Federalism’s influence on American government, culture and society is pervasive and profound, yet often unexplored. This short podcast examines single, practical topics to show how federalism’s influence is real and relevant in average citizens’ daily lives.

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