Centralization is breaking US politics
Washington increasingly assumes the “numerous and indefinite” responsibilities James Madison expected states to handle.
TL;DR
- Elections are increasingly perceived as existential battles, yet tangible fixes are scarce, leading to a sense of hollowness.
- A core issue is not just who governs, but that governing itself appears to be malfunctioning, with trust in federal institutions at historic lows.
- The shift from a federalist system, where states held 'numerous and indefinite' powers, to a centralized model in Washington is seen as a major problem.
- Washington now handles many issues previously considered local, leading to a loss of accountability and detachment.
- Policy operates like a pendulum due to frequent executive actions and regulatory shifts, creating instability for businesses and citizens.
- Utah is pioneering an approach to address this structural imbalance through legislation that allows for evaluating federal actions and clarifying authority.
- The National Federalism Initiative Summit of States brings together bipartisan leaders to discuss the proper balance between state and national authority.
- Federalism was designed to manage disagreement and provide stability through experimentation and local problem-solving, not to enforce national uniformity.
- Restoring balance requires restraint from Washington, a proactive Congress, and states acting as governing partners, not administrative branches.