If federalism is about protecting the states, why not listen to them? In the last decade, the Supreme Court has reworked significant areas of constitutional law with the professed purpose of protecting the dignity and authority of the states, while frequently disregarding the states'' views as to what federalism is all about. The Court, according to the states, is protecting federalism too much and too little. Too much, in striking down federal law where even the states recognize that a federal role is necessary to address a national problem. Too little, in inappropriately limiting state experimentation. By listening more carefully to the States, the Supreme Court could transform its federalism jurisprudence from a source of criticism and polarization to a doctrine that should win broad support from across the political spectrum. In this important book, six distinguished authors redefine federalism and reaffirm Justice Louis Brandeis's vision of states and localities as the laboratories of democracy.

This exciting book by Anthony J. Bellia is a unique collection of legal and scholarly materials intended for use in a range of courses, including Constitutional Law, Federalism, Federalism History, Federalism Theory, and Comparative Federalism. The first book of its kind, Federalism spans traditional subject areas, which allows a deeper and richer treatment of the subject. Features: Considers federalism questions across subject areas Transcends lines drawn by courses such as Constitutional Law, Federal Courts, and Civil Procedure Enables fuller and richer treatment of the subject of federalism Includes primary historical and theoretical sources relating to legal development and enduring questions Increases understanding of constitutional doctrine and fosters interdisciplinary learning Presents foundational materials useful for a range of courses on federalism

This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. The lines of authority between states and the federal gov¿t. are, to a significant extent, defined by the U.S. Constitution and relevant case law. In recent years, however, the Supreme Court has decided a number of cases that would seem to re-evaluate this historical relationship. This report discusses state and federal legislative power, focusing on a number of these ¿federalism¿ cases. The report does not, however, address the larger policy issue of when it is appropriate ¿ as opposed to constitutionally permissible ¿ to exercise federal powers. Contents: Powers of the States; Powers of the Federal Gov¿t.; The Commerce Clause; The 14th Amendment; The 10th Amendment; 11th Amend. and State Sovereign Immunity; The Spending Clause; Conclusion.