Federalism is sometimes a metaphor for states' sovereignty, rather than appreciated as part of the political structure and process created by the Constitution of the United States. The author argues that "federalism" was redefined during the founding period to disassociate it from the discredited idea of states' sovereignty. (Author/JOW)

The revitalization of the Contract Clause indicates that it is not the public employee who must be the first to sacrifice to get a city out of financial trouble. (Author/IRT)

Argues that the Constitution did not originally recognize state immunity from suit in federal courts and that the Eleventh Amendment is narrow in scope and limits judicial power only where the sole basis of jurisdiction is the character of the parties. Available from Indiana University School of Law, Lax Annex II, Bloomington, IN 47405.…

This short paper is part of a collection of 54 papers from the 48th annual conference of the Education Law Association held in November 2002. It discusses educational voucher programs. It states that proponents of voucher programs, having scored a major victory in the U.S. Supreme Court with "Zelman v. Simmons-Harris" (2002), will…

Argues that a carefully drafted amendment to the National Labor Relations Act can withstand constitutional challenge and that the standards set forth in "League of Cities" can be met. (Author/IRT)

Reviews the Bills of Rights' creation and rationale. Discusses the Fourth and Fourteenth amendments and analyzes their current status. Emphasizes the Supreme Court's interpretive role. Argues that reliance on the courts will eventually result in legal interpretations that reflect dominant national opinion. Urges greater citizen responsibility for…

The recent growth of school-related laws and regulations has magnified the court role in setting education policies through legal decision. State courts have traditionally played a primary role in disposing of education disputes, but their role has diminished while the federal court role has increased. This is due to a lag between state and…

Examines the present status of curriculum laws, the constitutional rights of those who oppose curriculum laws, and the possible impact of reduced local property taxes on state-mandated curricula. Available from Willamette University College of Law, Salem, OR 97301. (Author/IRT)

Presents opposing viewpoints on federalism and state sovereignty. Charles J. Cooper argues for states powers based on a constructionist interpretation of the constitution. Herman Schwartz maintains that the national economy is so tightly intertwined, and the protection of civil liberties is too great to leave these functions to the states. (MJP)

Encapsulates a series of brief essays exploring different aspects of modern federalism. Issues include further protection of individual rights extended through state constitutions and federalism and the world economy. Authors include Robert F. Williams, Earl H. Fry, and Daniel J. Elazar. (MJP)