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Political Science, General
American Federalism: A Concise Introduction by Larry N. Gerston β€” book cover

American Federalism: A Concise Introduction

by Larry N. Gerston
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Synopsis

Understanding federalism - the form of political organization that unites separate polities within an overarching political system so that all maintain their political integrity - is central to the study of democratic government in the United States. Yet, many political scientists treat federalism as a set of abstract principles or a maze of budgetary transfers with little connection to real political life. This concise and engaging book boils the discussion down to its essence: federalism is about power, specifically the tug for power among and within the various levels of government. Author Larry N. Gerston examines the historical and philosophical underpinnings of federalism; the various "change events" that have been involved in defining America's unique set of federal principles over time; and the vertical, horizontal, and international dimensions of federalism in the United States today. The result is a book examining the ways in which institutional political power is both diffused and concentrated in the United States.

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Book Details

Published
June 16, 2026
Publisher
M.E
Pages
197
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780765616715

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