Toward a More Perfect Union: The Unitimely Decline of Federalism and the Rise of the Homogeneous Political Culture

The principle of federalism and the national government's evolving relationship with the states has created many challenging moments over the course of American history. As the 21st century begins to unfold, however, the decline of this political balance has the potential to generate even greater challenges with far-reaching implications. From the closing battle of the Revolutionary War to the Gun-Free School Zones Act, this article charts the evolution of this intricate national relationship with a view toward better understanding of the rise of the homogenous political culture and the ways such a phenomenon might be reversed.