Federalism and Polarization: How Can Research Be More Relevant?

Abstract In the United States, rising partisan polarization both affects and is affected by federalism. Yet federalism scholars have not convincingly addressed whether federalism exacerbates or mitigates polarization, even though these linkages have numerous implications for the future of democracy. Hindering research on these questions is a combination of rapid political change, inadequate data, and limited existing theoretical frameworks. Policymakers also display limited receptivity to impartial, evidence-based research on such politically charged issues. This article outlines these theoretical and empirical challenges and offers suggestions for building on current research strengths to enhance the relevance of federalism research.