Federalism is a great idea. Some people think federalism means federal supremacy. What it really means is federating, several equal entities working together. Federalism allows states to find solutions that work best for their citizens while other states learn from their experiences. This federation of equals not only allows the states to be unique but also gives them the power to stand up against an overreaching federal government.
We often talk about our need to learn the Constitution to help our state governments fulfill their duties to protect our rights, even from federal infringement. When the states remember that they are the creators of the federal government, not its vassal, then we can restore the power balance the Framers of the Constitution envisioned. That’s why I like to return from time to time to the state of the states, how they are fulfilling their constitutional duties, and what we can do to help them.
