Federalism: A Very Short Introduction

Mark J. Rozell · Clyde Wilcox

Jun 2020 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Peter Lerman

Audiobook

4 hr 13 min

Unabridged

Eligible

Ratings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More

Want a 25 min sample? Listen anytime, even offline.

Add

Switch to the ebook

About this audiobook

Early Americans were suspicious of centralized authority and executive power. Casting away the yoke of England and its king, the founding fathers shared in this distrust as they set out to pen the Constitution. Weighing a need for consolidated leadership with a demand for states' rights, they established a large federal republic with limited dominion over the states, leaving most of the governing responsibility with the former colonies. With this dual system of federalism, the national government held the powers of war, taxation, and commerce, and the ability to pass the laws necessary to uphold these functions. Although the federal role has grown substantially since then, states and local governments continue to perform most of the duties in civil and criminal law, business and professional licensing, the management of infrastructure and public services: roads, schools, libraries, sanitation, land use and development, etc. Despite the critical roles of state and local governments, there is little awareness-or understanding-of the nature and operations of the federal system. This Very Short Introduction provides a concise overview of federalism, from its origins and evolution to the key events and constitutional decisions that have defined its framework.

About the author

Mark J. Rozell is the founding dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government and the Ruth D. and John T. Hazel Chair in Public Policy at George Mason University in Virginia. He is the author of numerous studies on US government and politics, including The President's Czars.

Clyde Wilcox is professor of American government at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service in Qatar. He is the author of numerous books on comparative and American politics, including Onward Christian Soldier, Women and Elective Office, and Interest Groups in American Campaigns.

Peter Lerman is a narrator from the heart of New York City: Brooklyn born and raised. He has appeared onstage as Horace Vandergelder in Hello Dolly, Bobby Gould in Speed-the-Plow, the Governor of Texas in Best Little Whorehouse..., Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, and Lenny in Rumors.

Rate this audiobook

Tell us what you think.

Listening information

Smartphones and tablets

Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.

Laptops and computers

You can read books purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.

Report illegal content