Publius (journal)
The year 1971 marked the birth of Publius: The Journal of Federalism. Daniel Elazar established this quarterly social science journal at Temple University that same year. He chose a name honoring three specific figures from American history. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison wrote under the pen-name Publius between 1787 and 1788. Their writings became known as The Federalist Papers. Elazar dedicated his new publication to these authors who shaped early American political thought. This choice linked modern academic study directly to the nation's founding documents.
Daniel J. Elazar served as editor from 1971 until 1999. His tenure spanned nearly thirty years of shaping the journal's direction. John Kincaid took over editorial duties in 1981 and continued through 2006. Carol S. Weissert led the publication from 2006 to 2014. John Dinan held the position from 2014 until 2023. Paul Nolette and Philip Rocco now serve together as editors starting in 2024. Each leader brought different perspectives to the ongoing work of federalism studies. The succession shows a clear lineage of leadership across five decades.
Journal Citation Reports assigned Publius an impact factor of 2.2 for the year 2023. This score placed the journal at rank 82nd out of 317 journals within Political Science categories. Social Sciences Citation Index includes this publication among its core collections. Historical Abstracts also indexes the quarterly issues for researchers. PAIS International provides another layer of abstracting services for the content. These metrics reflect the journal's standing within political science literature today. The numbers demonstrate consistent engagement with academic audiences globally.
Oxford University Press publishes the journal on behalf of CSF: Publius, Inc. This organization operates as a non-profit affiliate of the Center for the Study of Federalism. The Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations Section sponsors the publication through the American Political Science Association. These partnerships provide structural support for the quarterly release schedule. The collaboration between university press and professional association ensures broad distribution. Such affiliations connect scholarly research to wider policy discussions in government circles.
The journal covers history theory structures and practice of federalism systems worldwide. It examines how federal principles apply to political and social issues in modern contexts. Researchers publish work on federal theory alongside practical applications to current problems. The scope extends beyond simple historical analysis into active governance questions. Topics range from constitutional frameworks to day-to-day administrative challenges. This breadth allows scholars to explore both theoretical foundations and real-world implementation details.
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Common questions
Who founded Publius The Journal of Federalism and when was it established?
Daniel Elazar established Publius: The Journal of Federalism in 1971 at Temple University. He named the journal to honor Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison who wrote under the pen-name Publius between 1787 and 1788.
When did Daniel J. Elazar serve as editor of Publius The Journal of Federalism?
Daniel J. Elazar served as editor from 1971 until 1999 spanning nearly thirty years of shaping the journal's direction. John Kincaid took over editorial duties in 1981 and continued through 2006 while Carol S. Weissert led the publication from 2006 to 2014.
What is the impact factor of Publius The Journal of Federalism for 2023?
Journal Citation Reports assigned Publius an impact factor of 2.2 for the year 2023. This score placed the journal at rank 82nd out of 317 journals within Political Science categories.
Which organization publishes Publius The Journal of Federalism on behalf of CSF Publius Inc?
Oxford University Press publishes the journal on behalf of CSF: Publius, Inc. This organization operates as a non-profit affiliate of the Center for the Study of Federalism.
What topics does Publius The Journal of Federalism cover regarding federal systems worldwide?
The journal covers history theory structures and practice of federalism systems worldwide including how federal principles apply to political and social issues in modern contexts. Topics range from constitutional frameworks to day-to-day administrative challenges allowing scholars to explore both theoretical foundations and real-world implementation details.