National Review Institute is pleased to publish an essay by the Honorable James L. Buckley as our inaugural offering in a new feature at nrinstitute.org. Bill Buckley’s “sainted older brother” has had a remarkable career in public service. I can’t think of another individual who has served at the highest levels of all three branches of government (Ramesh? John Miller?). Jim Buckley, who is also a Navy veteran, represented New York in the U.S. Senate, served as an Undersecretary of State, and was a federal appellate judge. His timely insights reflect his unparalleled experience and his conservative convictions. In the first essay in the series we will be offering, Jim Buckley sounds the alarm about the “virtual abandonment of the principle of federalism.” He thought years ago that Washington’s ability to deal with its expanded responsibilities was increasingly in doubt. There is no doubt now. His thoughtful, principled opinions illustrate the challenge conservatives currently confront.