FIP Classroom

The concentration of regulatory power in the federal government over the last 100 years has raised numerous concerns related to efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. Measuring variation in regulations provides a perspective on American federalism that can not be captured in other standard measures.

Americans have debated centralization versus state autonomy since the founding era. Yet, there are relatively few empirical analyses of the extent, nature, duration, and magnitude of centralization over time. Measuring "power shifts" empirically is a first step in understanding how our current American federal system works and how power has shifted across policy dimensions from the founding to today. 

Federalism Organizations provides an opportunity to enhance dialogue, examine boundaries and roles regarding federal-state relations, as well as strive for a proper balance in our federal system.  It is interesting to note that these committees are not specific to a particular region or political party - showing that federalism is a topic that is relevant to a wide range of people and countries.

Citizen attitudes toward the American federal system have changed over time. The Public Opinion Dashboard tracks key indicators including trust, power, efficiency, and accountability at different levels of government.