While the Constitution clearly assigns some matters to the federal government, like national defense or interstate commerce, the bulk of the decisions that affect day-to-day life, such as public safety, family, environmental protection, etc., are to be made by the states. This means that the decisions with the most direct impact will be made by government representatives closest to the people affected. It also allows for different policies in different communities, which allows states to learn either from the good or bad examples of others.

Erine Gray shares the personal experiences that led him to build Findhelp, what he learned working inside Texas’ public-benefits system during the financial crisis, and why he believes AI, better data, and greater coordination could make the safety net more effective, without adding more programs or spending.

Whetting the appetite of parents in states that lack education choice programs will likely only increase support of education choice, not diminish it.

In Parental Authority and Religious Freedom, William C. Duncan, Sutherland Institute Constitutional Law & Religious Freedom Fellow, argues that families and religious communities play a vital role in teaching children the values, habits, and responsibilities they need to become good citizens.

States also play a critical role in protecting parents’ ability to influence their children. State laws provide a structure for the exercise of these rights, particularly in school.