I recommend the 1957 book "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand. She talked about the world the feds are trying to create. A world were the money does not flow "to those that produce goods and services but to those who give favors".

One thing I think that needs to be done at the state level is limiting campaign funding. Money should be limited to those who live in the state. I don't want some Hollywood person donating to my senators war chest. Since corporations and organizations can't vote their money should be banned too. If that makes less money available all the better. Maybe more people could afford to run.