Federalism might reduce political incivility

As America heads full bore into one of the most significant (and possibly contentious) elections in several years, many Americans are worried about the lack of civility in the current political discourse. Although the current state of civility in U.S. politics leaves much to be desired, when one takes a historic look at civility in U.S. politics (or lack thereof) voters should be reassured that our current plight is more the norm than the exception.

Consider that from the beginning of our federal republic, civility in American politics has ebbed and flowed. From the nasty and personal battles between the Federalists and the Anti-federalists to the fracturing of the country (literally) during the Civil War, American politics have been far from friendly, much less civil, on several occasions.

However, the lack of present political civility makes many voters worried that civility in U.S. politics is as dead as a door nail. In one way, these voters’ concerns are well warranted. Why? Because, today, unlike in eras past, the sheer amount of political power at stake is unprecedented in American history.

With more power at stake, the civil discourse is more apt to descend deep into the abyss of incivility.

In 2020, the federal government is more powerful than ever. The federal government is spending more money than ever, bringing in more revenue than ever and has its hands in more aspects of American society than ever. This means politicians, lobbyists, bureaucrats and all others affiliated with an outsized federal government realize much is at stake, at least in terms of their personal power.

Unfortunately, those whose livelihoods are directly related to the growth of federal government and those who are dedicated to scaling back the size and scope of the national government are caught in a bitter battle, civility be damned.

There are many ways our civility schism can be bridged. For instance, if the federal government’s power were reduced and power returned to the local level (where it rightfully belongs), the odds of a bitterly divided and uncivil political discourse would be less likely.

Federalism, which is a foundational principle of the American experiment, is a remedy for the lack of civility that has overwhelmed the political discourse because it would make political battles much less all-or-nothing events. As of now, the more our political disagreements take place at the national level, the more angst and incivility are likely to occur throughout the country.

Although federalism is not the cure-all for our present lack of civility, it almost assuredly would tone down the national rhetoric that pits American against American and rapidly devolves into incivility.

— Chris Talgo, Editor

The Heartland Institute