From New Federalism to Devolution: Twenty-Five Years of Intergovernmental Reform

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In the period from 1970 to the early 1990s, Republican leaders launched three major reforms of the federal system. Although all three initiatives advanced decentralization as a goal, they were remarkably different in their policy objectives, philosophical assumptions, patterns of politics, and policy outcomes. Expanding and updating his well-received book, "New Federalism: Intergovernmental Reform from Nixon to Reagan", (1988), Timothy Conlan provides a comprehensive look at intergovernmental reform from Nixon to the 104th Congress. The stated objectives of Republican reformers evolved from rationalizing and decentralizing an activist government to rolling back the welfare state to replacing it altogether. Conlan first explains why conservatives have placed so much emphasis on federal reform in their domestic agendas. He then examines Nixon's New Federalism, including management reforms and revenue sharing; analyzes the policies and politics of the "Reagan revolution"; and reviews the legislative limitations and achievements of the 104th Congress. Finally, he traces the remarkable evolution of federalism reform politics and ideology during the past 30 years and provides alternative scenarios for the future of American federalism. Timothy Conlan is an Associate Professor of Government and Politics at George Mason University. He was formerly on the staff of the Senate Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations and the US Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. Conlan is the author of numerous books, articles, and monographs on federalism, American politics, and public policymaking, including "Taxing Choices: The Politics of Tax Reform" (Congressional Quarterly, 1989).

Reviews

"Conlan tells the most important story about American government in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s -- that of efforts to reform and reduce the federal government's role. He indicates how these attempts succeeded, how they failed, and why. This book is essential reading for any expert in or student of our nation's policies and politics." David Beam, Illinois Institute of Technology

Author Bio

Timothy J. Conlan is university professor of public and international affairs at George Mason University and a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. He is the author of From New Federalism to Devolution: Twenty-Five Years of Intergovernmental Reform (Brookings, 1998). His 1988 Brookings book New Federalism was selected by the American Political Science Association as its Best Book on federalism and intergovernmental relations.