Center For Practical Federalism

SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism aims to educate the American public and policymakers on the benefits of federalism—a system of government where some authority belongs to the national government, and much more resides with... Federalism pushes power where it belongs, to citizens acting through their elected representatives, and it ensures that no one branch of government exerts too much power. Federalism also enables experimentation with policy solutions tailored to states and communities. When policy is local, it takes into account unique community conditions, is more easily influenced by everyday citizens, and thereby leads to better outcomes for more of the people it governs. What’s more, the diverse array of policies that inevitably result under federalism allow us to learn what works better than a single, top-down approach. The Center for Practical Federalism is launching a number of initiatives to educate state and local officials, as well as interested citizens, about the need to preserve state and local governing authority against overreach...

It will also offer training and resources for public officials interested in more effectively overseeing governmental agencies, thereby making them accountable to we the people. SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism was a 2023 nominee for the Gregor G. Peterson Prize in Venture Philanthropy. American Habits, shows readers—citizens and lawmakers alike—what is possible and what can be accomplished through local governance. Staff | Related Media | American Habits | Federalism Scorecard SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism aims to educate the American public and policymakers on the benefits of federalism—a system of government where some authority belongs to the national government, and much more resides with...

Federalism pushes power where it belongs, to citizens acting through their elected representatives, and it ensures that no one branch of government exerts too much power. Federalism also enables experimentation with policy solutions tailored to states and communities. When policy is local, it takes into account unique community conditions, is more easily influenced by everyday citizens, and thereby leads to better outcomes for more of the people it governs. What’s more, the diverse array of policies that inevitably result under federalism allow us to learn what works better than a single, top-down approach. The Center for Practical Federalism is launching a number of initiatives to educate state and local officials, as well as interested citizens, about the need for preserving state and local governing authority against overreach... It will also offer training and resources for public officials interested in more effectively overseeing governmental agencies, thereby making them accountable to we the people.

Our online publication, American Habits, shows readers—citizens and lawmakers alike—what is possible and what can be accomplished through local governance. The State Policy Network has launched the Center for Practical Federalism, which it describes as an initiative “to educate the American public and policymakers on the benefits of federalism.” Read more here. In an era where federal overreach seems to be the norm, the concept of federalism stands as a beacon of hope for many seeking a return to localized power and decision-making. In the latest Giving Ventures episode, Tony Woodlief of the State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism shares insights into how states can reclaim their autonomy from an ever-expanding federal government. Going beyond American civics and history, Tony dives deep into the practical tools and strategies available to state and local officials aiming to push back against federal encroachment and restore the balance of power... Tony Woodlief is a Senior Fellow at the State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism and author of I, Citizen: A Blueprint for Reclaiming American Self-Governance.

His work focuses on empowering state and local governments to reclaim authority and push back against federal overreach. The State Policy Network (SPN), through its Center for Practical Federalism, is pioneering efforts to empower states to reclaim authority from the federal government. Tony highlights the critical role of providing practical tools for state and local officials. These tools are designed to help officials identify and resist undue federal influence, particularly financial incentives that come with strings attached. Tony stresses the importance of state autonomy, noting that “federal agencies often use guidance to do illegal rule-making that skirts all the usual transparency and scrutiny processes.” By advocating for a more informed and assertive approach, Tony’s work aims to illuminate the areas where federal agencies are improperly influencing state operations.

This involves educating state officials about the nuances of federal guidance and encouraging them to challenge directives that lack statutory authority. Importantly, resisting federal encroachment helps states foster a culture of self-governance where they can make decisions best suited to their unique needs and circumstances. Federal agencies have increasing influence over state and community self-governance. Much of it occurs behind the scenes, without the awareness or approval of our elected representatives. State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism has developed a Federalism Scorecard and other resources to identify where unelected federal officials exert undue influence over state governance and to identify practical policy solutions for... This session will highlight what leaders are doing to strengthen self-governance in their states and communities.

Tony Woodlief, Senior Executive Vice President, State Policy Network Cameron Sexton, Speaker, Tennessee House Steve Johnson, Fellow, Center for Practical Federalism, State Policy Network The Center for Practical Federalism is dedicated to helping state and community leaders protect and extend representative democracy and citizen self-governance. To contact an expert, book interviews, or for press inquiries, please contact us at federalism@spn.org. Tony Woodlief is a Senior Fellow in the Center for Practical Federalism.

His essays appeared in The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The Washington Post, and other publications, and he has appeared on Fox News, CSPAN, and radio programs across the country. An alumnus of the University of North Carolina, Tony holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Michigan. He is the author of I, Citizen, a book about reclaiming American self-governance. Steve is a Fellow at the Center for Practical Federalism. He just finished his third and final term in the Michigan House of Representatives where he represented the 72nd District in West Michigan. He most recently served as the Chairman of the House Oversight Committee as well as a member of the Judiciary, Tax Policy, and Elections and Ethics Committees.

Prior to being elected in 2016, Steve was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. The Federal Shutdown's Other Casualty: The States - All Things with Kim Strassel - WSJ PodcastsTony Woodlief on WSJ Podcast | October 28, 2025 The Center for Practical Federalism is dedicated to helping state and community leaders protect and extend representative democracy and citizen self-governance. For press inquiries or to book interviews, please contact us at federalism@spn.org. Senior Director, Center for Practical Federalism

SPN Senior Executive Vice President and Senior Fellow Tennessee legislators score a groundbreaking win for transparencySteve Johnson in The Hill | May 9, 2024 DC moves fast. We read the bills, rules, and rulings—then translate what they mean for your state. Sign up to get an every-other-week briefing with clear implications and concrete next steps for state leaders delivered to your inbox. 12/10/2025 — For this edition, we step outside the congressional gridlock and focus on two major developments emerging from the executive branch: new Department of Labor guidance giving states far greater flexibility to redesign...

11/26/2025 — This edition features major deregulation efforts in two areas that would scale back federal authority in policy areas that have long affected how states and local communities use their land, manage water,... 11/12/2025 — After forty-three long days of frozen agencies, missed paychecks, and anxious governors, Washington is finally stirring back to life. The Senate’s late-night breakthrough on Monday cracked the stalemate and later today the House is expected to follow suit, bringing an end to the longest government shutdown in American history. 10/29/2025 — As the federal shutdown enters Day 29, Washington remains gridlocked. Both sides are entrenched, and despite a few quiet back-channel discussions, there is still no clear path forward. With President Trump abroad and Congress at a standstill, the end of this week marks a real breaking point—when millions of Americans will begin to feel the tangible effects of a month-long funding lapse.

As the federal government has expanded, so too have our problems. Americans are increasingly concerned with the rising cost of living, poor educational outcomes, and diminishing economic opportunities—once a staple of American life. Meanwhile, unelected bureaucrats in Washington, DC, consistently fail to address the needs of families across the country. Increasingly, more people say they trust their state and local governments to respond to their needs. State and local governments are closer to the American people and can tailor policies to meet the unique needs of their communities. However, returning power to the states is no simple task.

Leading this effort is State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism (CPF). The Center partners with state and local lawmakers to give them the tools they need to enforce our nation’s system of federalism—where some authority belongs to the national government, but much more resides with... Thanks to partners across the Network and our generous supporters, the Center for Practical Federalism made significant progress this year. This includes passing landmark transparency legislation in Tennessee, halting a harmful Department of Labor regulation, and providing state lawmakers with tools and resources to counter federal overreach. Below are some of the highlights from the year. A key priority for CPF is educating state policymakers about the problems with federal guidance, a practice used by federal agencies to enforce rules without proper approval or oversight.

Federal agencies create guidance documents to help state policymakers understand complex federal laws.

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