Oh of course, that's why we say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Federated States of America. But seriously, before the Civil War you were a Virginian or an Ohioan or a Kentuckian, etc. Robert E Lee, contrary to the lie, did not support slavery, but when he had to chose a side in the war felt he had no choice but to fight for his state as a Virginian. People didn't self identify as Americans until after the Civil War. You know, States Rights and stuff they don't teach anymore. The Confederate Constitution contained a Balanced Budget requirement. Each State seceded from the united individual states. Our entire government was created to limit an overarching government like you suggest, the best government is the one closest to you so that your voice can be heard by those who represent you, not rule over you. The entire national concept was decentralization- we are self governing. Democrats as a party can't stand that.
