Federalim and Democracy: Theoretical Connections and Cautionary Insights

Abstract

The institution of federalism impacts politics & the quality of life for those living under it. The contributions to this book, summarized here, examine these impacts in the Latin American context where the three largest countries -- Brazil, Mexico, & Argentina -- plus Venezuela have federal constitutions. The essays present definitions of federalism, conceptual approaches to studying federal systems, the politics of democratization, & interactions between federalism & democratization. The essays also examine issues related to political decentralization & the changing balance of power between the federal governments & subnational territorial units in recent years. 33 References. M. Pflum