Why are states called "laboratories of democracy"?

a. most new social policy ideas are tried by one or two states before the other states or the federal government adopt the ideas.

b. states are the primary sponsors of industrial research.

c. the federal government experiments with policies by ordering the states to try them first.

d. the term comes from the nineteenth century, when state politics were more scientific than the machine politics of cities.

a. Most new social policy ideas are tried by one or two states before the other states or the federal government adopt the ideas.

Explanation:

Social ideas that can have an effect on the society are implemented by one or two states and if the idea or policy turns out to be beneficial for the people then it is adopted by others. For instance, the legalization of Marijuana was first done by Washington and Colorado in 2012. The idea started in 19th century when women voting rights were first introduced by Wyoming and California which lead to a national call for rights. Hence, option A is the correct option that new social policy ideas are tried by one or two states before the other states or the federal government adopt the ideas.

It is likely, given the acrimonious relationship between President Trump and his cabinet, that the next President will try and course correct by having a very collegial relationship wherein they regularly accept counsel from cabinet members and keep them around for a longer period of time. This will be a way to differentiate between a new President and President Trump.

To the question of the past being an indicator, I believe that it can be. Relations between a President and their cabinet go through cycles. So, this too shall pass.