Federalism Digest: Rural Voters Many accounts of partisan polarization emphasize the disproportionate and perhaps unfair advantages rural voters have because of federal institutions. Some…
In December 2025, more than 40 bipartisan state legislative leaders from over 30 states, working through the National Conference of State Legislatures, issued a resolution titled “Federalism Restoration and State Empowerment.” This resolution reflects an important tradition that dates back to the founding and deserves attention in K-12 classrooms . . . Although states may attempt to limit national power in ways such as withholding cooperation, exerting political pressure, and challenging federal authority through legal and institutional channels, this Digest focuses on the role and responsibility of state governments to “sound the alarm” when the federal government exceeds its authority.
Competent American citizenship and governance require an understanding of federalism. Analysis of post-Dobbs interstate abortion issues highlight very important features of and debates about federalism for students.
Good citizenship requires an understanding of the impacts of the federal debt across America’s federal system. The $36.2 trillion federal debt, which is the total amount of money the federal government has borrowed over recent decades to pay its expenses, plays a critical role in how Americans govern themselves. The manner in which the debt is issued and managed also has important implications for state and local governments, such as their ability to undertake infrastructure projects. This digest explores the interconnectedness of federal debt and state and local governments and how teachers may approach these issues with students.
State constitutions have long played an important role in American government, yet they are often neglected in K-12 classrooms.
During this presidential election year, as the candidates joust with rhetorical and emotional appeals, we should remember that one of America’s greatest political achievements…
Many current issues—including those that directly apply to K-12 schools—can best be taught and understood through a federalism perspective. Federalism is consequential, for example, in teaching about transgender people and identities. To what extent and in what ways should public schools include transgender topics in the curriculum, regulate restroom use, or restrict athletic participation?
"The states, be they large or small, coastal or landlocked, wealthy or poor, play essential roles in the functioning of American federalism. In some…
The states are policy innovators, developing new solutions to many of the most pressing issues facing the country.
CSF Fellow, John Dinan, has created a reader, Federalism: Core Documents. It is downloadable for free as a pdf here. A recent interview of Dinan about the reader…
The U.S. Supreme Court recently shifted judicial gears by reaffirming U.S. treaty obligations and Native sovereignty. What is Native sovereignty, why is it important, and how do Native Nations coexist with America’s federal system?
In a federal democracy, how should voters get to choose their representatives? What roles should elected representatives play in deciding who will elect them? This digest explores redistricting controversies across America’s federated election system.
1 to 13
|
18 Results
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
© 2026 Center for the Study of Federalism. All Rights Reserved.
