Introduction: The Future of Federalism in the United States

Abstract As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, what can American federalism scholarship tell us about the future of the compound republic? The articles in this special issue of Publius offer several valuable insights into how federalism scholars might orient their work in a political climate beset by turbulence and uncertainty. After reviewing the contributions to the special issue, this introductory essay offers several suggestions on conceptual and theoretical interventions that might enhance our understanding of the compound republic’s future by focusing our attention on how political actors in the federal system creatively adapt repertoires of action to new circumstances.