This observation, for me is a rationale for supporting efforts that shift power down. From federal to state, from state to county, from county to local gov, from local gov to individuals.

Public policy discussions that start with the assumption that the only possible solution is for the federal/state/county/local government to dictate policies from above are almost always non-starters for me. The higher up in the hierarchy the more evidence I need to support a solution at that level.

I'm not absolutist on this matter, there are concerns that are best addressed at all those various levels but I prefer to get there through bottom-up policy experimentation and iteration rather than top-down diktats. There are also ample lessons from history about the dangers of expansive government powers.

That debate has been ongoing since before the founding of the country. You are in good company and our system is designed with the idea of distributing power. The key is for people to recognize and exercise their power.

I'm actually very locally active and came to the same conclusion in that I think building local institutions is the best thing that I can do right now.