“The States are separate and independent sovereigns.”
Chief Justice John Roberts
March 17, 2025
To: US Senators and Congressional Representatives of the Several States:
I am writing to introduce you to the Phoenix Correspondence Commission, a governmental entity, which is the national commission on federalism collectively established by the states in 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. We are a government, nonpartisan agency comprised of the 50 States to promote federalism education; to be a forum for communication between the states so problems can be tackled together; and to be an agent of action when the States agree that action is required. I am also introducing you to the American Federalism Month in Review publication.
Some states are concerned about land issues; others concerned about dependency upon federal funding; and many are concerned about the fiscal health of our national government. There is a growing list of concerns. As a focal point for the States’ joint communication with Congress, we provide input, for example, to the House Budget Committee and are currently working with the House Judiciary Committee to audit their State Memorial records so that Congressional and State records match and are complete.
Federalism is a foundation concept of our national republic which may not be well understood by many citizens today. Federalism simply calls for each governing authority to be supreme in its own sphere of influence. As per our national constitution, the national government is supreme in national defense while the States are supreme in all affairs not expressly granted to the federal government. As Chief Justice John Roberts put it, “The States are separate and independent sovereigns.” (NFIB v. Sebelius June 28, 2012)
“The Framers split the atom of sovereignty between the States and the
Federal Government not as an afterthought, but as a first principle… That
structure is not a mere formality; it is the essence of the Constitution’s
design, meant to endure as a safeguard against tyranny.”
Printz v. United States, 521 U.S. 898, 936 (1997) (Kennedy, J., concurring)
There are several benefits to this form of government. One is that government is decentralized so government is closer to the people. This allows for greater accountability to the people as well as a more effective check and balance on power – which tends to accumulate when left unchecked.
One purpose we have is to facilitate communication between the States and Congress. Another is to empower state and national legislators and one of the best sources of empowerment is knowledge. To help you stay informed as national legislators, the American Federalism – Month in Review is distributed by the PCC in collaboration with the Center for Constitutional Studies.
The latest FEBRUARY in REVIEW dealing with the first days of Trump 2.0 and much more can be found here: https://www.phoenix-correspondence-commission.gov/2025/03/american-federalism-february-2025-the-first-100-days/
In a few minutes, you can review “real time” news about matters which impact our system of American federalism – including Congress; Executive Branch Orders; Administrative Rulings; Supreme Court Decisions; State Actions; and a myriad of topics.
Our Board of Scholars run the academic and political gamut including
Dr. Lawrence Lessig of the Harvard School of Law; Dr. Troy Smith, editor of Federalism in America: An Encyclopedia; Dr. Donald Kochan of George Mason University, and Dr. Robert Natelson (ret) from the University of Montana, among others.
Thank you for your time and for collaborating with the PCC. Please let us know how we can be of aid to you! Our contact information is listed below.
Best regards,
—
Bruce
W. Bruce Lee, Executive Director
Phoenix Correspondence Commission
PO Box 1862, Loomis, CA 95650
Bruce.Lee@Phoenix-Correspondence-Commission.gov
https://Phoenix-Correspondence-Commission.gov
Office/Message: 916-624-6476