The article discusses how Republican leaders in the 1970s to 1990s made three major changes to the federal system, aiming to give more power to states. These changes had different goals and outcomes, from making government smaller to completely changing welfare programs. The author, Timothy Conlan, looks at these reforms over time, from Nixon to the 104th Congress. The focus shifted from managing government better to reducing welfare programs. The article explains why conservatives care so much about changing the federal system and how their ideas have evolved over the years.