STATE GOVERNMENT INFLUENCE IN THE NATIONAL POLICY PROCESS - LESSONS FROM THE 104TH CONGRESS

During the last several decades, slate officials increasingly conclude d that their interests are not adequately represented in national poli cymaking and sought to increase their influence through the constituti onal amendment process, the federal judiciary, and the political proce ss. This article evaluates the extent to which these institutional mec hanisms were effective in advancing state interests during the 104th C ongress. United States Constitutional amendments were improbable and i neffective devices. Litigation was slightly more successful, though it provided an uncertain source of long-term security for state interest s. Efforts to work through the political process, either through secur ing the passage of legislation that increases congressional responsive ness or by engaging in direct lobbying, were moderately effective unde r certain conditions.