The feds obtain their revenue via taxing individuals and corporations. I don't know of any payments by states, to the feds.
It really is like the borg.
It is possible for the federal government to run the country into the ground. It's been working at that for decades.
The elites are indifferent whether they lord over successful people, or serfs. I'd bet they prefer to lord over serfs, the dumber, the better.
We were/are the Frogs in the pot.......we finally found it is to hot........
On the money going from state to Gov., I thought some state revenues were sent (as their share) to the Gov't., who in turn dished it back to them at, say, .25cents on the dollar. Matching funds?......