American Federalism on the Horizon

The American federal system took some unpredictable twists and turns during the twentieth century. As a new century—indeed, a new millennium—begins, which trends are likely to continue, which are likely to dissipate? What issues pose the greatest challenges for the intergovernmental system? This article plots several possible paths along which the federal system could travel over the next decade. The fundamental issue in American federalism is a perennial one: How will the balance of power between the federal government and the states change? Other key issues facing American federalism are identified and their likely impacts examined. The article concludes with an assessment that the next decade in American federalism may be surprisingly robust. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.