OVERVIEW
In the field of federalism and intergovernmental relations, the Christian statesman needs to read
leading works in the field with an aim of identifying key concepts related to federalism and
evaluating those concepts from a Christian worldview. Toward that end, the purpose of the Book
Review Assignment is to evaluate a leading work in the field of American federalism and place it
in the framework of a Christian worldview that is informed by the framer’s views of human
nature and limited government. To aid in that goal the Book Review Assignment will require that
a set of “prompts” be answered from a point of view (a thesis) about the book. The response to
these prompts should be thorough and demonstrate a mastery of the book’s content and the
ability to evaluate the work from a Christian worldview.
INSTRUCTIONS
In the field of federalism and intergovernmental relations, the Christian statesman needs to read
leading works in the field with an aim of identifying key concepts related to federalism and
evaluating those concepts from a Christian worldview. Toward that end, the purpose of the Book
Review Assignment is to evaluate a leading work in the field of American federalism and place it
in the framework of a Christian worldview that is informed by the framer’s views of human
nature and limited government. To aid in that goal the Book Review Assignment will require that
a set of “prompts” be answered from a point of view (a thesis) about the book. The response to
these prompts should be thorough and demonstrate a mastery of the book’s content and the
ability to evaluate the work from a Christian worldview.
INSTRUCTIONS
Write a book review for Exploring Federalism by Daniel Elazar that addresses and answers the
following questions:
How does Elazar’s model of federalism compare to other leading models we have
encountered in the course thus far? Present a summary of Elazar’s model. Then contrast
Elazar’s model with two other theories/models of federalism from the past three module’s
assigned readings. Pick the two theories/models that you think are the most important
rivals to Elazar’s.
Is Elazar’s model of federalism the best model that we have reviewed so far in upholding
a Christian worldview? If you agree, provide at least three reasons from scripture (or
from the framers’ views on federalism, human nature, and limited government) with
support for each reason. If you disagree, do the same. One of your reasons for disagreeing
could be that you think that another model does the job better. If that is true, state and
describe the preferred model, along with why it is preferable.
Follow the requirements listed below with respect to the content and structure of the book review
(for other requirements, review the Book Review Assignment Grading Rubric):
Thesis: The Book Review needs a thesis, a point of view that pulls together the two
prompt questions. The thesis should be clearly stated in the introduction. This is a book
review and not just a “book report.”
Word Count: Paper should be between 1000-1200 words. This includes the title page,
the body of the paper, and the alphabetized list of references (if needed).
Format: APA, double-spaced, Times New Roman (12 pt.) with margins at 1” on all
sides. Place page numbers in the upper right-hand corner.
Content: Include title page, paper, and an alphabetized list of references. Include the
following in the paper: introduction, a response to the two prompt questions, and a
conclusion. It is expected that the Book Review Assignment will have many citations, but
only one or two short quotes. Include one to three references (if needed) in a reference
section at the end of the paper.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
following questions:
How does Elazar’s model of federalism compare to other leading models we have
encountered in the course thus far? Present a summary of Elazar’s model. Then contrast
Elazar’s model with two other theories/models of federalism from the past three module’s
assigned readings. Pick the two theories/models that you think are the most important
rivals to Elazar’s.
Is Elazar’s model of federalism the best model that we have reviewed so far in upholding
a Christian worldview? If you agree, provide at least three reasons from scripture (or
from the framers’ views on federalism, human nature, and limited government) with
support for each reason. If you disagree, do the same. One of your reasons for disagreeing
could be that you think that another model does the job better. If that is true, state and
describe the preferred model, along with why it is preferable.
Follow the requirements listed below with respect to the content and structure of the book review
(for other requirements, review the Book Review Assignment Grading Rubric):
Thesis: The Book Review needs a thesis, a point of view that pulls together the two
prompt questions. The thesis should be clearly stated in the introduction. This is a book
review and not just a “book report.”
Word Count: Paper should be between 1000-1200 words. This includes the title page,
the body of the paper, and the alphabetized list of references (if needed).
Format: APA, double-spaced, Times New Roman (12 pt.) with margins at 1” on all
sides. Place page numbers in the upper right-hand corner.
Content: Include title page, paper, and an alphabetized list of references. Include the
following in the paper: introduction, a response to the two prompt questions, and a
conclusion. It is expected that the Book Review Assignment will have many citations, but
only one or two short quotes. Include one to three references (if needed) in a reference
section at the end of the paper.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.