Federalism is the from of governance prescribed by the US Constitution. It has three levels of expression; the federal level is the lest popular.

According to PEW Research,  the favorable rating for the federal (central) government has fallen to just 33%, its lowest positive mark in 15 years.  Understand that this includes all three branches of the federal government. 

By contrast, ratings of state governments remain in positive territory, with 52% offering a favorable rating, and local governments are viewed positively by 61%.

Those who do not cherish property rights, individual liberties and the free expression of religion,  are those who view the Central Government with favor.  Understand that the most important practical difference between the Central Government and state/local governments within our nation's boundaries,  is the degree of control the people have over each.  Folks are most approving of local governments because they have the most control over local governments.  State governments are more removed and the Central Government is so far removed from the voter(s) as to highly unrepresentative of the people.  

Try calling a Senator from another state or a Representative from outside your district.  You will be told that " . . . the Senator does not take calls from constituencies of another state" (for example).  Of course,  that very Senator  or out of district Representative votes on laws that effect my person,  but "he does not take calls from constituencies" out of their elective region.  By definition,  that is government without representation.  

Yet, that form of governance that is most removed from the voter is the very form of governance that continues to grow to the extinction of the state and local entities.  

 Exclusive Powers of the National Government

Under the Constitution, powers reserved to the national or central government include:

·  Print money (bills and coins)

·  Declare war

·  Establish an army and navy

·  Enter into treaties with foreign governments

·  Regulate commerce between states and international trade  --  it is this power, the "commerce clause" that is used as an excuse for the Central Government to control our individual lives.  Incredibly, the Central Government can tell an individual what crops she can grow on her property,  because it effects the commerce of other states.  

·  Establish post offices and issue postage  -- this is why we do not abandon the Post Office, it has a Constitutional mandate.  

·  Make laws necessary to enforce the Constitution

·     Exclusive Powers of State Governments

·       Establish local governments and militia (i.e. the National Guard)

·       Issue licenses (driver, hunting, marriage, etc.)

·       Regulate intrastate (within the state) commerce

·       Conduct elections

·       Ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution

·       Provide for public health and safety

·       Exercise powers neither delegated to the national government or prohibited from the states by the U.S.    Constitution (For example, setting legal drinking and smoking ages.)

    Powers Shared by National and State Government

·       Setting up courts

·       Creating and collecting taxes

·       Building highways

·       Borrowing money

·       Making and enforcing laws

·       Chartering banks and corporations

·       Spending money for the betterment of the general welfare

Taking (condemning) private property with just compensation

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