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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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American Federalism

Are National and State Leaders a Threat to an Effective Virus Response?

Richard Thompson Ford writes that local governments are responding more effectively to the coronavirus pandemic than the Trump administration. He warns that state leaders…

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American Federalism

States Band Together to Address Virus-Related Issues

Governors of states on the east and west coasts have formed regional coalitions to fight the coronavirus and plan for reopening businesses (password required). Read…

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American Federalism

Who Has the Authority to Lift Stay-At-Home Orders?

Jonathan Turley disagrees with President Trump's assertion that the president, not the nation's governors, has the "total" authority to lift state quarantine orders (password required). Read more here.

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American Federalism

States Step Up Efforts to Obtain Medical Equipment

In response to the Trump administration's position that it should play only a "backup" role in securing medical supplies, states have become more aggressive…

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American Federalism

Overview of the Federal-State Unemployment Program

Unemployment claims have spiked in response to the spread of the coronavirus. A U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) bulletin outlining the salient aspects of the federal-state…

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News

Does Coronavirus Response Threaten Ethiopian Federal-State Balance?

In an op-ed, Tefera Degu Addis worries that the national government's assertion of powers to deal with the coronavirus outbreak "raises the issue of constitutional…

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American Federalism

Recommendations Offered to Local Governments During Virus Outbreak

Victoria Perez and Justin M. Ross offer proposed solutions to the challenges of public finance and intergovernmental collaboration faced by local governments during the…

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American Federalism

Why Have Americans Regions Responded So Differently to the Pandemic?

Colin Woodard suggests that the states' widely varying responses to the coronavirus look like "a macabre laboratory of federalism" because different regions of the…

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American Federalism

Post-Virus Planning Moves Ahead in Some States

Alex Brown writes that, in the absence of leadership from the federal government, some states are forging ahead with plans of how to return…

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News

EU Stops Short of Pooling Debt

European Union finance ministers have agreed to a large stimulus package in response to the coronavirus pandemic. But EU members balked at offering joint bonds,…

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American Federalism

The “Nation-State” of California?

Writing that "federalism has always had rough spots," Francis Wilkinson considers California governor Gavin Newsom's recent statement that California is a "nation-state" that would…

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American Federalism

Interview About Governmental Powers During Health Emergencies

C-Span has interviewed Scott Burris, the director of Temple University's Center for Public Health Law Research, about federal and state powers during health emergencies.…

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American Federalism

Podcast on Federal Power During a Pandemic

Walter Olson and Caleb O. Brown explore "Federalism vs. Federal Power in a Pandemic" in a recent edition of the Cato Daily Podcast. You…

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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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