FEDERALISM DIGESTS
Analyses of contemporary issues from experts
at the Center for the Study of Federalism.
The Federalism Digest provides readers with clear, accessible, brief, engaging, and non-partisan articles that highlight the importance of federalism as a political concept, an organizing principle, a practical perspective, and a perennial issue. Please direct any questions or comments to Dr. Thomas Vontz at tvontz@ksu.edu.
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In a federal democracy, how should voters get to choose their representatives? What roles should elected representatives play in deciding who will elect them? Surprisingly, redistricting, or the process of redrawing geographic boundaries for electing legislative representatives, is highly dependent on politics. Read more.
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The Electoral College is one of the most fascinating and controversial institutions of American federalism. Do you know why the framers of the U.S. Constitution created this presidential election system? Read more.
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Everyone knows the indictment of former Republican president, Donald J. Trump, is unprecedented. But what unprecedented facets of federalism underlie the indictment? The case sheds light on federalism as a key facet of American governance. Read more.
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Shortages of infant formula first happened in April 2020. Shortages persist. Why? A careful analysis of the crisis casts light on the complex federal structures that affect the production, distribution, and consumption of baby formula. What does this crisis tell us about our federal system, and how can this case be used by students and teachers? Read more
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Whether Critical Race Theory (CRT) should be taught in public schools triggers polarized views and high levels of political noise across the federal system. . . . CRT is the kind of noisy political issue that represents not only partisan and ideological divisions but also cultural extremes over deeply held value preferences. What’s a teacher or a citizen to do? Read more
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In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022), the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade (1973), thus returning basic abortion policy to the 50 states, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Before Roe, abortion was a state matter. After Roe, federalism remained in play because states enacted many abortion laws, though all were subject to possible rejection by federal courts. Some states enacted laws intended to overturn Roe. This happened in Dobbs, which was triggered by a Mississippi law.
“The Constitution does not prohibit the citizens of each State from regulating or prohibiting abortion,” wrote the Court’s majority in Dobbs. Abortion will therefore be a significant issue in state government and politics for decades. What’s likely to happen? Read more