Question

Can the federal government order the states to do anything

Answer 1

In general, the Federal government can not force States to do anything.

The government of the United States is based on the principles of federalism and republicanism, in which power is shared between the federal government and state governments. The interpretation and execution of these principles, including the powers that the federal government must have and how these powers can be exercised, have been debated since the adoption of the Constitution. Some advocate expansive federal powers, while others advocate a more limited role for the central government in relation to individuals, states or other recognized entities.

Since the Civil War, the powers of the federal government have expanded in general, although there have been periods since the era of legislative power (for example, the decades immediately following the Civil War) or when the defenders of the rights of the states have managed to limit federal power through legislative action, executive prerogative or constitutional interpretation by the courts.