CAMPAIGN 2012: THE ISSUES
Federalism
Our political system, in which power is divided among the federal government, the states and metropolitan areas, is a dynamic political structure. With rising global demand for products and services and the urgent need for more and better jobs, re-evaluating the federalist model is a useful way to spur economic growth and innovation. Although not a topic on the campaign trail, rethinking federalism presents enormous opportunity for the next administration.
Brookings expert Bruce Katz provides advice to the next president on this important topic. Katz, vice president of the Metropolitan Policy program at Brookings, is a former chief of staff in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton.
Tracy Gordon and Pietro Nivola offer additional perspectives on federalism in the next administration.
Paper: Remaking Federalism to Remake the American Economy
Additional Perspectives:
A New Federalism for a New Century, by Tracy Gordon
Federalism's Downside, by Pietro Nivola
Video: Federalism and Economic Growth, with Bruce Katz
RELATED RESEARCH
Brookings research on federalism »
Brookings research on growth through innovation »