This text reflects the authors' decided view that two power relationships are fundamental: the states versus the federal government-federalism-and the federal judiciary versus Congress-separation of powers (though many of these power struggles are played out in the context of disputes between the individual and government, a third type of power relationship.) The federal courts' primary role is to regulate these conflicts and that is what the authors want to make clear-that federal courts are special, not just another hierarchical court system.