[Skywalk]

That central power thing is tricky. Though it's a greater threat, there are many on this board with the Lawrence decision that seemed to imply that petty tyrranies were OK, just not federal ones.

Far too freely they give state's legitimacy in their own mind, simply because it's one level below federal. My belief is that all governments are capable of oppression and indeed most state governments have reached that point.

[Chancellor Palpatine]

In fact, your local government has the ability to get into your life far deeper than a distant national government, and frequently has in the past. Gossip and clan relationships can ruin people in their communities, destroying their sense of worth, and wrecking their ability to do business. Police and local regulators can be used to harass, etc.