• Federalism is a system that grants certain powers to the national and state governments.
• Recent court decisions have given power back to the states, increasing federalism.
• Getting to know your neighbors, rather than relying on national media, can help calm tensions.

​Election season can be a stressful time, as voters research the candidates and hope to find one who aligns best with their values. Many voters may find calm in the system of federalism.

In a recent Takeaway, we provided a breakdown on government powers under federalism and why it’s important to the function of American government.

Federalism provides the national government and state governments with specific authority, so no single entity can have total control.

On a recent episode of Sutherland’s podcast, Defending Ideas, Bill Duncan, Sutherland’s constitutional law and religious freedom fellow, said that the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Chevron was an important step in protecting federalism and giving power back to the states.

“There was kind of an alarmist concern that if the federal agencies are constrained in some way from issuing specific guidance that we’re going to live in a world with no protections,” Duncan said. “I think the reality that we can observe on the ground is that states do a great job in many cases … of coming up with good solutions.”

Nic Dunn, host of Defending Ideas, noted how Utah, through federalism, has led the way in providing solutions.

“Utah’s record speaks for itself,” Dunn said. “We’re constantly at the top of rankings for the best economy in the nation, the most diverse economy. We were ranked as the highest state for upward mobility.”

In the same episode, Tony Woodlief, senior executive vice president for State Policy Network, said that federalism provides the ability for local communities to work out solutions together, rather than being concerned about those in power at the national level.

“Get to know your neighbors. Get to know the people around you and be reminded how good this country is, and what you can do in it,” Woodlief said. “Don’t lose hope because of all the garbage that is pushed to us in our [TV] screens.”

As election season approaches, federalism allows for Americans to find solutions within their own local communities, rather than being beholden to the power of a few. It’s important to remember this fact as the election results come in this November.

For a more in-depth perspective on this article, review our episode of Defending Ideas here.