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The State of American Federalism 2022–2023: Escalating Culture Wars in the States

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  • Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo
  • Paul Nolette

Abstract

American federalism in 2022–2023 saw a continued escalation of the culture wars, with persistent battles fought between the heavily polarized political parties, different levels of government (including federal versus state governments and state versus local governments), and between states and private business. Policy conflicts have centered on a variety of issues related to reproductive rights, K-12 education, and gun policy, among others. This overview of American federalism during the last year proceeds by first considering major policy activity in Congress, much of which holds significant implications for federalism. Next, we discuss the 2022 midterm elections and the dynamics that largely prevented what many expected to be a “red wave”. We then move to discuss significant policy shifts in the areas of civil rights and liberties, environmental policy, and labor, with an emphasis on state policymaking and court decisions. A central theme has been the intensification of cultural disputes as a policymaking focus, particularly at the state level.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca Bromley-Trujillo & Paul Nolette, 2023. "The State of American Federalism 2022–2023: Escalating Culture Wars in the States," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 53(3), pages 325-348.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:publus:v:53:y:2023:i:3:p:325-348.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/publius/pjad026
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David M Konisky & Paul Nolette, 2022. "The State of American Federalism 2021–2022: Federal Courts, State Legislatures, and the Conservative Turn in the Law," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 52(3), pages 353-381.
    2. Lori Riverstone-Newell, 2017. "The Rise of State Preemption Laws in Response to Local Policy Innovation," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 47(3), pages 403-425.
    3. Jordan Kujala, 2020. "Donors, Primary Elections, and Polarization in the United States," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 64(3), pages 587-602, July.
    4. Greg Goelzhauser & Shanna Rose, 2017. "The State of American Federalism 2016–2017: Policy Reversals and Partisan Perspectives on Intergovernmental Relations," Publius: The Journal of Federalism, CSF Associates Inc., vol. 47(3), pages 285-313.
    5. Michael Coates & Shanna Pearson-Merkowitzz, 2017. "Policy Spillover and Gun Migration: The Interstate Dynamics of State Gun Control Policies-super-," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 98(2), pages 500-512, June.
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