How does Elazar’s model of federalism compare to other leading models we have encountered in the course thus far? Is Elazar’s model of federalism the best model that we have reviewed so far in upholding a Christian worldview?

Book Review

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
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: Turabian Author-Date style (no footnotes/endnotes; in-text citations only), 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.