Laboratories of democracy refers to the idea that states have the ability to experiment with different policies and laws, serving as testing grounds for innovative ideas and approaches to governance.
Related terms
Federalism: The division of power between the national government and state governments. It allows states to have some autonomy in governing themselves while still being part of a larger federal system.
Devolution: The transfer of powers from a central government to regional or local governments. It can grant more authority and decision-making power to states, allowing them greater freedom for experimentation.
Dual federalism: A constitutional interpretation that emphasizes a strict separation between federal and state powers, limiting the role of the national government and giving states more independence in policy-making.