https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/republicanism/
Rather than one big democracy, you have dozens. New York, California and Texas get to do whatever they want but they don't get to tell each other how to live. Then people like me can move somewhere with low taxes that leaves you alone and those who want it can move Uncle Sam into their guest bedroom. We will all get together if someone invades. Like a weaker EU.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Articles_of_Confederation
> Then people like me can move somewhere with low taxes that leaves you alone
I do kind of wish higher-tax states would stop subsidizing the lower-tax states. Let them live in the squalor they seem to desire.
Alas, we're UNITED states and have a Federal government that takes money from California and gives it to Alabama while they celebrate their low taxes.
> We will all get together if someone invades.
Do you see a problem coming up here? "Why should we protect X if they don't do things the way we do?" (This sentiment already exists in the US today, it would just get more common)