The state of US federalism: 1998-1999

In 1998-1999, changing federalism in the United States meant that states ha ve greater discretion in some areas of social policy while Congress has ass erted greater influence over issues of culture and crime. Despite the rheto ric about decisions being best made by states and localities, Congress cont inues to lake on new areas, such as health privacy. In. the meantime, the U .S. Supreme Court's sustained focus on issues of federalism intensified, wi th states' rights continuing to receive emphasis, even though the Court uph eld federal power in selected cases and refused to sanction state actions i n others.