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Laboratories against Democracy

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Jacob Grumbach

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In the current precarious moment for American democracy, state governments, as key institutions of federalism, are often praised. However, the reality of federalism in this polarized era is more troubling, as Grumbach reveals. State-level politics, while increasingly influential in shaping public policies that impact lives, are also exacerbating alarming trends such as plutocratic politics, racial inequality, and democratic backsliding. The book presents a theory on how federalism interacts with polarization, challenging prevalent myths that support state governments. Originally, the framers believed federalism would encourage states to tailor policies to local preferences. Instead, state politics are increasingly influenced by national groups that take advantage of the low-information environments found in amateur legislatures, inattentive local media, and identity-driven voters. This dynamic not only favors well-resourced organizations but also reduces incentives for states to learn from each other’s successful policies, as emulating a policy from an opposing party's state may jeopardize their party's national standing. Overall, this theory of polarized federalism illustrates how polarization undermines the beneficial aspects of federalism that are often celebrated in discussions of American governance.