Book review on Exploring Federalism by Daniel Elazar

Introduction


Elazar’s model of federalism was from a religious perspective. He suggested federalism is a classic value concept, like democracy, rather than a term subject to narrow definition (Elazar, 1987). This model of federalism implies the overlap of different accepts of federalism to create an effective form of governance. He believed federalism should involve a combination of self-rule and shared rule. The book suggests a wholesome approach to federalism to ensure each level of governance is as important as the next without supporting the notion that either the State or the Federal government is superior.