- Winter 2022
Syllabus Description:
Compared to other countries, the United States constitutional system gives expansive authority to state and local governments. Proponents of this system of federalism argue that states and cities avoid “one size fits all” national policy and bring citizens closer to their policymakers. Opponents, on the other hand, suggest that federalism hinders progress on civil rights and empowers corporations and the wealthy. In this course, we will investigate the causes of the American system of federalism, and the consequences of this system of government.
This course covers policy, behavior, and institutions. We will investigate specific policy areas in state and local politics such as criminal justice, zoning/housing, climate policy, election administration, and legislative districting, as well as state and local welfare state provision. We will also cover state and local voting behavior and policy responsiveness to public opinion. Finally, as the intro paragraph suggested, we will look at the institutions of American federalism as a whole.
In addition to doing the readings, students will have the option of completing a term paper or doing a series of shorter reading response papers.