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Agree with rockjon. Federalism, as advocated by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, was a way to protect our core values against an over-reaching federal government (i.e., a monarchy or dictatorship). Our core values were those listed in our Bill of Rights. You can find the full list here https://nccs.net/online-resources/us-constitution/amendments-to-the-us-constitution/the-bill-of-rights-amendments-1-10

Do you believe those are the same values are guiding America today? Sure I can believe it was back then for at least a small minority of enlightened Americans.

Unfortunately, I agree with you. These should be the values that are guiding us today, but many people have abandoned them. Yet, I don't think you have to be a Strict Constructionist to appreciate their merit.