Federalism: A Dialogue

David Shapiro explores the virtues and defects of federalism as it has developed in this country from a variety of perspectives that include historical, constitutional, economic, social, and political considerations. Using the dialectical form adopted by advocates trying a case before a court, Shapiro not only examines the strongest arguments on the two principal sides of the issue but also probes the potential value of the dialectical process itself.

Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
2. The Case for Strong National Authority
3. The Case for Federalism as a Constraint on National Authority
4. Striking the Balance: Federalism and Dialogue
Postscript on the Decision in United States v. Lopez
Selected Bibliography
Citation Tables
United States Constitution
Cases