I have long believed that returning some veto power to state governments via the US Senate would be the best counter-balance to the increasingly totalitarian central government.
It is an idea whose time has returned.
If today's legislatures voted strictly on party lines, the senate would have 42 republicans and 38 democrats. If the 10 split legislatures gave 1 seat to each party, the senate would break down 52-48. Of course, if the legislatures did elect the senators, we would have different legislatures. Most likely we would have more conservative legislatures that protected states' rights.
While we're at it, how about term limits. End the career politicians ability to eventually become exhibits in Jurasic Park, or as it is, Geriatric Park. The time has come.