[chillingeffect]

> What realistic difference is there between "The States" and the federal government?

It's huge! The power to drive international trade and warfare, for starters! Also, the ability to create laws that don't reflect people in your area/community.

Also wrt this thread, states don't (generally) enforce searches at their borders, because states aren't fighting for domination with nation-states. States are only trying to control their geographic area.

Thank you for the references, I'll check them out.