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The State of American Federalism 2014–15: Pathways to Policy in an Era of Party Polarization

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  • Shanna Rose
  • Cynthia J. Bowling

Abstract

The state of American federalism in 2014–2015 is characterized by inertia and centrifugal force. Party polarization and divided government exacerbate gridlock at the federal level as President Obama faces Republican majorities in both houses of Congress. Policy activity has shifted outward to state legislatures and citizens, the federal and state executive branches, and the court system, creating a diverse set of alternative institutional pathways and outcomes. Some policies, like Medicaid and K-12 education, are largely shaped by federal-state executive branch negotiations, leading to individualized state programs. Other policies—such as marijuana, gun, and immigration laws—are made by state legislatures or citizens acting through the initiative process. Meanwhile, a series of court decisions has doubled the number of states where same-sex marriage is legal. In the current political context, American federalism is characterized by a substantial dispersion of power and a variety of pathways to policy-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Shanna Rose & Cynthia J. Bowling, 2015. "The State of American Federalism 2014–15: Pathways to Policy in an Era of Party Polarization," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 45(3), pages 351-379.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:publus:v:45:y:2015:i:3:p:351-379.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/publius/pjv028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jacobs, Lawrence R. & Skocpol, Theda, 2012. "Health Care Reform and American Politics: What Everyone Needs to Know," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199976133.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kathleen Ferraiolo, 2017. "State Policy Activism via Direct Democracy in Response to Federal Partisan Polarization," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 47(3), pages 378-402.
    2. Greg Goelzhauser & Shanna Rose, 2017. "The State of American Federalism 2016–2017: Policy Reversals and Partisan Perspectives on Intergovernmental Relations," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 47(3), pages 285-313.

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