Comment by bee_rider

It is hard to say if something works or not without defining a goal.

Federalism would probably work fine for the country in general. Lots of human suffering would occur in states that elect dumbasses, but the high-productivity parts of the country would continue along just fine, and probably actually benefit without the need to keep sending money.

In some case, voters might change their tune as they actually have to face the consequences of electing unhinged ideologues.

But, it would also involve lots of pain and suffering falling on vulnerable people, so it isn’t worth it.