The New Institutions of Federalism: The Politics of Intergovernmental Relations 1960-1985

The intergovernmental relations system in the United States underwent many important changes during the period 1960-1985. In addition to an historical review of federalism in America, this treatment focuses on the quarter-century in which co-optive federalism was succeeded by Reagan’s New Federalism. There is special emphasis on the numerous interstate organizations which were born or came to maturity during this period. Special attention is paid to the changed role of state governors and to the rise of governors’ organizations during this period.