States Rights...same Constitutional framework that gives the several states to enact and follow their own probate codes, criminal laws, contract law, etc. Unless and until there is preemption by the federal government, the States preserve these perogatives.
Thus, until the Supreme Court issued Roe v. Wade, each State could do what its citizens wanted in terms of abortion. Same for gun laws, Jim Crow laws, etc.
BTW, I am one conservative Republican that voted no on 8. So far (it's only been a couple of days), I have had no tingily feelings for another man, but Freddie does interest me.
