It's better because it's smaller, closer and thereby(in theory) more accountable to its electorate, and (again in theory) more likely to be in sync with its electorate. Also, there's the whole labratories of democracy concept--several states are trying various forms of tort reform. (One more time in theory) We benefit from the variety of experiments, and are not locked into one top-down approach.
I'm not saying I am FOR state gubmint intervention--just saying it's for each state to decide for itself through the republican process.
Under the 10th Amendment, it’s certainly more Constitutional. I guess it’s the principal that bothers me some.