What “federalism” means and how it should properly function under the American system of government is a debate that dates to the earliest days of the Republic. Indeed, even the Founding Father most closely associated with the concept, James Madison, appeared at times to hesitate on precisely how to achieve his vision of a “permanent equilibrium of powers” between a strong federal government, bound by the Constitution, and a union of semi-autonomous states.
Nearly two and a half centuries later, the question remains whether the federalist system is a functioning reality or merely an ambitious idea that was never fully achieved. Is the concept of federalism alive, dead, or simply dormant in the 21st Century? Watch to find out!
PANELISTS
• William E. Trachman – General Counsel of Mountain States Legal Foundation
• Derek Cohen, Ph.D. – Vice President of Policy at Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Michael S. Greve – Professor of Law at the Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University
• Will Thompson – Deputy Chief for Special Litigation at Office of the Texas Attorney General
• Russel H. Withers – General Counsel at Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute
