Federalism Can Be Strengthened by This Election

As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, we don’t hear enough from either major candidate about our capacity for self-government and the limits of national power. On top of that, both presidential candidates misuse federal rhetoric in discussions of state and local issues, a fact deftly pointed out by Donald F. Kettl in Governing magazine in September. However, while federalism is often strengthened by specific policies, there are several unforeseen factors and state, local, and national interactions that could embolden federalism.

The first reality that won’t change regardless of which presidential candidate wins is that Washington, D.C., is mired in dysfunction and gridlock. Given that neither party is likely to secure large enough congressional majorities in 2025 to break the gridlock, and with both presidential candidates being polarizing figures, Washington is unable to resolve critical policy issues Americans care about.

RN

About the Author

Ray Nothstine

Ray Nothstine is a senior writer and editor and a Future of Freedom Fellow at the State Policy Network. He manages and edits American Habits, an online publication focused on federalism and self-government.

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Presidential Election

As the 2024 presidential election draws closer, we don’t hear enough from either major candidate about our capacity for self-government and the limits of national power. On top of that, both presidential candidates misuse federal rhetoric in discussions of state and local issues, a fact deftly pointed out by Donald F. Kettl in Governing magazine in September. However, while federalism is often strengthened by specific policies, there are several unforeseen factors and state, local, and national interactions that could embolden federalism.

The first reality that won’t change regardless of which presidential candidate wins is that Washington, D.C., is mired in dysfunction and gridlock. Given that neither party is likely to secure large enough congressional majorities in 2025 to break the gridlock, and with both presidential candidates being polarizing figures, Washington is unable to resolve critical policy issues Americans care about.

RN

About the Author

Ray Nothstine

Ray Nothstine is a senior writer and editor and a Future of Freedom Fellow at the State Policy Network. He manages and edits American Habits, an online publication focused on federalism and self-government.