This is where I disagree. It wasn't "settled" 150 years ago, that is when it started. The Federal leviathan seized more power than it was ever envisioned to have in 1861. It has only gotten stronger ever since.
This is not a 150 year old settled problem, this is a right here, right now unsettled problem.
You say it's important to understand history:
Dont get me wrong. It is important to understand history. As it is proper to see history “rhyming” as it does from time to time.
I regard it as important to understand the how and why of how we got to where we are now, because to fail to understand how we got here makes it impossible to figure out how to get away from here.
To understand where you are going, you have to understand where you have been.
I usually stay off these threads, but I think you’ll find these articles interesting. The first is 10,000 words, so reserve some time for it.
Federalism: Yesterday and Today
The second is a short afterthought bringing it up to today.