The U.S. Constitution was designed to limit the power of the federal government and protect individual freedoms. A key part of this system is federalism, which ensures that states and local governments have control over important policies instead of Washington, D.C. However, in recent years, federal power has grown, reducing the ability of states to govern independently.
Mike Pence’s campaign focused on returning power to states, cities, and communities, ensuring that Americans have greater control over their own lives. His plan included key policies aimed at shifting authority away from Washington and back to local governments.
Key Policies to Strengthen Federalism
1. Shifting Education Control to States
Pence proposed eliminating the Department of Education and redirecting its $24 billion budget to states. His plan would:
- Give parents and local communities more control over education.
- Allow school choice, meaning families could use public funding for private, religious, or charter schools.
- Stop federal mandates that influence school curricula.
2. Returning Healthcare Decisions to States
Pence wanted to replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) with state-controlled healthcare programs. His plan included:
- Providing federal healthcare funds as block grants to states.
- Allowing states to design customized healthcare policies for their populations.
- Reducing federal regulations that increase insurance costs (Obamacare Doubled Insurance Costs).
- Addressing the doctor shortage issue in the U.S. (Doctor Shortage Crisis).
3. Transferring Federal Land to States
Currently, the federal government controls 28% of all U.S. land (640 million acres). Pence proposed:
- Selling and returning millions of acres to states.
- Allowing local management of land for development or conservation.
- Reducing federal bureaucracy and mismanagement of resources (Federal Land Ownership Report).
4. Letting States Manage Welfare Programs
The U.S. has over 80 federal welfare programs, costing more than $400 billion annually. Pence’s plan would:
- Consolidate welfare funding into block grants for states.
- Allow local control over assistance programs to reduce inefficiencies.
- Ensure programs focus on helping families achieve self-sufficiency (Coordinating Welfare Programs).
5. Giving States More Control Over Highway Funds
Currently, gas taxes collected from drivers are sent to Washington and then redistributed to states with federal restrictions. Pence’s plan aimed to:
- Allow states to keep more of their highway tax revenue.
- Let states fund and prioritize their own road projects without federal conditions.
- Reduce construction costs by eliminating federal red tape (Highway Trust Fund Report).
6. Stopping Unfunded Mandates on States
The federal government often creates laws and regulations that cost states money, without providing funding. Pence proposed:
- Reviewing all new federal rules to measure their financial impact on states (Federal Law Impact Report).
- Preventing Congress from passing laws that force states to spend money without federal funding (Unfunded Mandates Analysis).
- Strengthening the Tenth Amendment, which limits federal overreach.
7. Reforming Federal Housing Programs
Pence aimed to convert federal housing assistance into state-run programs. His plan would:
- Shift control of rental and housing assistance to states.
- Allow local governments to tailor policies to community needs (HUD Federal Housing Programs).
- Reduce federal interference in housing markets (Urban Institute Fair Housing Report).
8. Limiting the Use of Eminent Domain
Pence’s plan aimed to protect private property rights by:
- Preventing the federal government from seizing state or private land for unnecessary projects.
- Ensuring property owners receive fair compensation when land is taken for public use.
- Blocking the use of eminent domain for green energy initiatives that harm property owners (JP Morgan CEO on Eminent Domain).
Mike Pence’s federalism policies focused on reducing federal control and increasing state power. His proposals aimed to give local governments more authority over education, healthcare, welfare, land management, and infrastructure.
Disclaimer:-This article provides an independent analysis of Mike Pence’s 2024 presidential campaign proposals. It serves as an informational and historical reference only. The content does not reflect current U.S. government policies, nor does it imply any endorsement or affiliation in 2025 or beyond. Any discussion of past administrations is solely within the context of the 2024 election cycle. This website operates as an independent news platform and is not affiliated with Mike Pence, any political party, or any government entity.