The states can provide a check on the aspirations of the new GOP regime in the following ways:
1. Medicaid: Some red states agreed to the Medicaid expansion, including Mike Pence’s Indiana. There will be resistance to a complete repeal of the expansion.
2. Abortion restrictions: Trump apparently believes that abortion should be left to the states after Roe is reversed, but it is doubtful that most Republican congressmen agree. If Congress were in a position to completely ban abortion throughout the entire country, I don’t see how those regulations could effectively be enforced without a substantial amount of cooperation from the states. In many states, it would not be forthcoming.
3. Environmental regulations: Blue states, particularly California, are in a position to adopt more stringent regulations than the federal government. Car manufacturers in particular will have to adjust their standards accordingly. Don’t be surprised if federal preemption becomes a major issue during the next four years.
4. Immigration enforcement: Barring a huge increase in the size of the federal government, some state assistance will be necessary to facilitate mass deportations. It won’t happen in California.