Why Reducing Government Power is Key to Affordability Crisis
- LeRoy Cossette
- 6 minutes ago
- 4 min read

Affordability has become a key topic in political campaigns. Politicians often repeat the word as if saying it enough will fix the problem. For example, Zohran Mamdani, the mayor-elect of New York City, gained support by emphasizing affordability throughout his campaign. Yet, despite the various political campaign focuses, affordability continues to decline for many Americans. The reason is simple: true affordability means lowering prices, which can only happen by reducing demand or increasing supply. Government actions do the opposite, making life less affordable.
Affordability means being able to buy goods and services without financial stress. When prices increase faster than incomes, people feel the squeeze. Politicians promise to fix this by increasing government involvement, but their actions only make things worse.

Two main factors influence prices:
· Demand: The desire and ability of consumers to buy goods and services.
· Supply: The availability of goods and services in the market.
To lower prices, demand needs to decrease or supply must increase. Government policies stimulate demand through subsidies or benefits, thereby encouraging increased consumption. Meanwhile, regulations limit supply by making it more difficult or expensive to produce goods and services. The result is higher prices, not lower.



Government programs designed to assist people with housing, healthcare, or education include subsidies or price controls. While they are well-intentioned, these policies boost demand without solving supply shortages. For example:
· Housing subsidies can increase the number of people seeking affordable homes, but do not necessarily lead to more housing being built. This pushes prices up.
· Regulations on construction and zoning limit how many new house can be developed, restricting supply.
· Healthcare subsidies increase demand for medical services, while regulations limits competition among providers, driving up costs.
These interventions create a cycle where prices rise, prompting further government intervention, which in turn distorts the market even more.
Politicians seldom admit that cutting their own power is necessary to solve affordability issues. Instead, they promise that increased government control will fix problems. This strategy appeals to voters but overlooks economic realities.

True affordability depends on less government interference, not more. When government power decreases, markets can adjust naturally.
· States and local communities can tailor policies to their unique needs.
· Businesses can innovate and compete without excessive regulation.
· Consumers have more choices and better prices.
Unfortunately, politicians who honestly discuss limiting government power face backlash. Voters often favor hopeful promises over tough truths.
Since politicians are unlikely to voluntarily reduce their own power, citizens must take action. One practical step is pursuing an Article V Convention of States to propose a constitutional amendment that limits federal authority.

This approach would:
· Return decision-making power to states, allowing them to create policies that fit their residents.
· Reduce federal overreach that often stifles competition and innovation.
· Create a more balanced system where local governments can experiment with solutions to affordability.
By reducing federal authority, states can become genuine sovereign entities as intended by our Founding Fathers and the Constitution. This change would pave the way for more affordable living conditions customized for each community.

Reducing government power isn't just a political concept; it impacts everyday life.
· Housing becomes more affordable when local governments can ease restrictions on building new homes.
· Healthcare costs can decrease when states encourage competition and reduce unnecessary regulations.
· Education options expand when states have more control over funding and curriculum choices.
Citizens who understand these links can advocate for reforms that create a real impact. It begins with demanding transparency and accountability from elected officials and backing efforts to limit federal jurisdiction.
Affordability won't improve by just repeating slogans or expanding government programs that boost demand and limit supply. True solutions require practical actions to reduce federal power, which will in turn influence the economy.
Citizens need to understand that:
· Government interventions worsen affordability.
· Politicians benefit from maintaining or increasing their power.
· True affordability depends on reducing government control and empowering states.

Taking action through constitutional methods, such as an Article V Convention of States, provides a way forward. It allows "We the People" to regain control and establish policies that truly lower the cost of living.
The affordability crisis can be solved. It takes courage on the part of elected and unelected political officials, as well as citizens, to face the truth and push for meaningful change. Only by reducing government power can America restore affordability and enhance everyone's quality of life.
How can this be accomplished without political intervention? It is achieved by convening a Convention of States to propose an amendment to the Constitution restricting federal jurisdiction clearly and concisely.


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