The Divided States of America: Why Federalism Doesn't Work

Federalism was created by James Madison to balance national and state interests, but it has created inequality between the states, making it unstable. Donald Kettl's book explores the history of federalism and highlights the need for reform to address the crisis of American inequality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Federalism, the ingenious creation of James Madison, was a groundbreaking system of power distribution that successfully harmonized national and state interests, ultimately leading to the formation of the United States. However, even beyond the issue of slavery, inherent inequalities were woven into the fabric of federalism, as it inherently meant that various aspects of an individual's life were contingent upon their geographical location. Over time, these disparities have resulted in significant divisions among the states, rendering federalism inherently unstable. In his book, The Divided States of America, Donald Kettl delves into the history of a political system that once brought the nation together but now poses a threat to its very existence. Spanning the entirety of federalism from its inception to the present day, Kettl specifically highlights crucial moments when power has transitioned between state and national governments, such as the tumultuous aftermath of the Civil War and the era of civil rights a century later. Despite apparent consensus that inequality posed a threat to liberty and that the federal government should establish policies for states to implement, the gap between states has only widened since that time. The quality of public services, ranging from healthcare and infrastructure to education and the environment, remains remarkably uneven. By exposing the limitations of Madison's masterpiece, Kettl suggests potential remedies in the writings of another founding father, Alexander Hamilton. In his urgent plea for reforming federalism, The Divided States of America underscores the imperative of addressing the crisis of American inequality and presents feasible solutions to this pressing issue.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691234175