ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the benefits of federalism in the policy process; outlines the Founders' vision for federalism; describes contemporary models of federalism; and examines intergovernmental relations and policymaking. The Clinton administration—along with a Republican-controlled Congress during much of the Clinton presidency—offered a new vision of cooperative federalism. Fiscal federalism illustrates the differences between how classical liberals and modern liberals view the role of government. The dual federalism model illustrates quite well that a once prevalent view of what government ought to do. Nation-centered federalism is consistent with a Hamiltonian view of what government ought to do. One important consideration imbued in nation-centered federalism is a belief that state and local governments are either resisting or downplaying the need to promote political and social equality. Nation-centered federalism was seen by its proponents as a practical solution to the intransigence of many state and local governments.
