State-centered theory

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State-centered theory

State-centered theory (also called state-centered federalism) is a political theory about the government’s role in civil society. It says the state can shape political life to some extent, but it does not by itself determine how power is distributed among classes and other groups at any given time.

Key ideas:
- The national government is seen as a voluntary compact among the states, which retain a dominant position.
- Supporters, including Thomas Jefferson and the Republican Party, viewed the Constitution as an agreement among the states that allowed them to govern themselves.
- National policymakers interact with the economy to raise social welfare, which provides legitimacy for some government intervention in markets.