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Scott Allard, University of Chicago, sallard@uchicago.edu

The 2010 APSA annual meeting theme asks scholars to explore political and institutional responses to economic downturns or “hard times.” This conference theme is of particular relevance to scholars of federalism and intergovernmental relations, whose work speaks to the manner in which political institutions govern, cooperate, conflict, innovate, and adapt in times of economic stress. Responses to economic downturn occur at all levels of government and typically require the administration or coordination of activities across different levels of government. In fact, it is not unusual for economic crisis to produce significant reorganization of governmental responsibilities and powers within federal systems.

The section on Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations invites scholars to submit paper, panel, and poster proposals that touch upon the many ways federal systems are shaped by and respond to economic downturn. Proposals exploring trends in government spending, programs, agendas, and regulation during periods of economic and fiscal stress are encouraged. How does economic downturn shape political institutions, social welfare programs, representation, and citizens’ connections to government in federal systems? Which factors determine the degree to which federal systems and their corresponding welfare states are reorganized, reformed, and/or retrenched in response to economic downturn? How well does federalism respond to rising and changing needs among citizens during times of economic stress?

Particular consideration also will be paid to submissions anticipating the “next generation” of research questions that will confront the field of federalism and intergovernmental relations in the coming decades. For example, what might be the long-run consequences of current government budget deficits and fiscal austerity? How might economic crises lead to the formulation of new institutions or new relationships? How do periods of economic instability transform the roles of nongovernmental actors? Do recessions provide windows of opportunity to forge new relationships between the public and private spheres in federal systems?  

To ensure that papers, panels and posters explore these topics through a diverse array of theoretical and empirical approaches, authors are encouraged to submit proposals that pose new theoretical models, draw upon unique data, utilize creative analytic techniques, examine a variety of policy domains, and explore research questions in comparative settings.  Submissions also are encouraged to consider the practical policy advice that might be given to experts and elected officials seeking guidance in a period of volatility and uncertainty.