August 9, 2023
Announcing American Habits—A New Publication that Makes the Case for Federalism and Self-Government
State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism recently announced the launch of American Habits, a new publication devoted to publishing content that makes the intellectual and moral case for federalism and its practical applications to today’s challenges.
Federalism is a system of government where some authority belongs to the national government, and much more resides with states, communities, and the American people. Although this is America’s system on paper, federalism and self-governance have been dangerously eroded since the American founding.
Much of control and power is now centered in Washington, DC. Politicians in Washington seek to dictate and control almost every aspect of our lives—from how we educate our children to how we provide healthcare in our communities to how we express our political opinions. Because of this centralization of authority, we are losing both the ability and the freedom to govern ourselves.
We need a federalism revival to shift power back to where it belongs—in states and local communities, and in essence, with the American people. American Habits seeks to facilitate this shift—reigniting federalism and Americans’ capacity for self-governance.
Led by SPN’s Ray Nothstine, American Habits will make the case for practical, understandable federalism so that policymakers and influencers, state think tanks, and citizens are persuaded to solve more problems through state and local solutions rather than accept the overreach and divisiveness of DC’s political class.
The content will consist of interviews, essays, book and film reviews, and excerpts of notable quotes and passages on federalism.
Nothstine added:
“We desire to champion a robust civil discourse and focus on practical stories on why federalism not only works, but is the superior system designed by America’s framers. As the adage reminds us: The best government is the which is closest to the governed. Washington is broken. In part, because it tries to do so much it shouldn’t. We exist to help end that.”
Check out American Habits here.
What is Federalism?
State Policy Network
State Policy Network Launches Center for Practical Federalism
Center will Focus on Revitalizing America’s Federalist System of Government
