Is federalism good or bad for democracy? James Madison referred to federalism as democracy's ``double security,'' but given the United States' history with racist policies, many disagree. I use the lens of system robustness to unpack federalism's unique role among democracy's safeguards. Federalism doesn't drive the American political system toward democratic outcomes. Instead, it complements other safeguards, minimizes some mistakes, enables experimentation, and perhaps most importantly, keeps diverse interests and information alive in the system. But because of the way that it works---by institutionalizing difference---it can also upset democratic processes and outcomes. It is an obstacle to authoritarian rule and a source of cross-cutting cleavages. It is also an opportunity for racism and other pernicious beliefs to maintain a governing foothold. In ordinary times it is an agitator, facilitating diversity, for better and for worse. In extraordinary times, when democracy is threatened, it may serve as democracy's most important bulwark.
Speaker
Jenna BednarAssociate Dean of Public Policy and Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at University of Michigan, and External Professor at SFI