Real Federalism

by Michael S. Greve

"Real" federalism, Michael S. Greve argues, is a federalism that promotes citizen choice and competition among the states. Far from being an anachronism in an increasingly complex society, a regime that permits citizens to choose among competing jurisdictions - each offering a different mixture of government services - is uniquely suited to a country of highly mobile and increasingly sophisticated citizen-consumers. Real Federalism provides a road map for reviving citizen choice and state competition. Greve shows how the Supreme Court, which has reestablished at least some federalism constraints, and a loose coalition of "leave-us-alone" constituencies - including some religious groups, home school and school choice organizations, and term limit and tax limit advocates - can through a "virtuous cycle" of progressive accommodation and cooperation succeed in advancing federalism.