Letter: Federalism intended to unite rather than divide

Last week, I found myself thinking about federalism. While this may not be an ordinary mental topic, it was prompted by my oldest granddaughter, now a sophomore in high school, asking me what it exactly meant. Since I taught U.S. history and she is a curious student, we spent time discussing it. At the conclusion, she said that federalism seemed really important to our government, and her reaction was surprise that she never understood it until our discussion.

My reaction included the sad consideration that federalism conceived by the writers of our Constitution to create compromise and unity now engenders intense division.

I am reminded of De Gaulle's statement about the impossibility of governing France with its 260 varieties of cheese. Perhaps it applies to the United States, where 50 states now offer a mixed confusion of laws and regulations.

Where is the glue that holds our national government together? Perhaps 260 varieties of cheese is an easier problem?

Jennifer Buehler Shaw

Barrington