Outline of lecture topics (order subject to change based on current events in the U. S.)

1) The theoretical basis of federalism, American specifics, federal versus state power

2) Political systems of US states – state constitutions, separation of powers, bicameralism, decentralization

3) Executive power – governors, vetoes, executive orders

4) Legislative power: State legislatures – processes, institutions

5) Judicial power: state supreme courts, elected judges, interpretations

6) Elections at the state level – federal limits, gerrymandering, entrenched power, democratic backsliding

7) United vs divided government, partisan polarization and the effectiveness of state political systems

8) Direct democracy at the state level – initiatives, referendums, constitutional amendments

9) Public policy at the state level I: the politics of abortion

10) Public policy at the state level II: education

11) Public policy at the state level III: healthcare

12) Public policy at the state level IV: economy, budgeting, welfare

13) Public policy at the state level V: criminal policy, death penalty

14) Overview – states as laboratories of democracy, or centers of democratic backsliding?