A compelling examination of interposition as a constitutional tool that states use to monitor the federal government and organize resistance.

Monitoring American Federalism examines some of the nation's most significant controversies in which state legislatures have attempted to be active partners in the process of constitutional decision-making. Christian G. Fritz looks at interposition, which is the practice of states opposing federal government decisions that were deemed unconstitutional. Interposition became a much-used constitutional tool to monitor the federal government and organize resistance, beginning with the Constitution's ratification and continuing through the present affecting issues including gun control, immigration and health care. Though the use of interposition was largely abandoned because of its association with nullification and the Civil War, recent interest reminds us that the federal government cannot run roughshod over states, and that states lack any legitimate power to nullify federal laws. Insightful and comprehensive, this appraisal of interposition breaks new ground in American political and constitutional history, and can help us preserve our constitutional system and democracy.

Written by three leading experts, Politics USA is the complete introduction to politics and government in the USA. Divided into eight parts, the book examines the US political system from an historical and institutional framework, discussing both the mechanics of American government and domestic and foreign policy. The text moves from examination of the constitutional and historical foundations of US government, through the representative process, to a discussion of the legislative, executive and judicial system. A further section deals in depth with several key policy studies. Each section is packed with pedagogical features and the book is attractively designed. This is the definitive textbook on American studies.