Federalism/Intergovtl Relation

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course investigates how various aspects of federalism, intergovernmental relations, and multi-tiered government affect public action. The first part of the course will be dedicated to the normative, theoretical, and historical content of federalism and intergovernmental relations in the United States and other countries. For example, how should federal and state responsibilities be allocated? Should federal mandates and federal transfers go hand in hand? Should the federal government rely more on persuasion and less on coercion? The second part of the course will be dedicated to the workings of federalism and intergovernmental relations in different policy areas. For example, how does federalism affect crucial regulatory areas such as environmental policy? How can equal educational and social opportunities be granted in a federal system? [American Government]