Does American Federalism promote or undermine American democracy?

Beyond Your News Feed: Understanding Contemporary Politics

Professor Adam Myers joins host William Hudson to discuss federalism’s impact on American democracy. Jacob M. Grumbach’s recent book: Laboratories against Democracy: How National Parties Transformed State Politics offers the touchstone for this discussion. Grumbach addresses a perennial issue in the analysis of American politics – whether the federal system advances or undermines democratic values. Our discussion examines and critiques Grumbach’s thesis as well as looking at recent arguments claiming federalism can advance progressive values.