ABSTRACT A common conception of modern states is that central governments adopt and then enforce their desired laws on the entirety of their territory. The reverse, however, is also possible. That is, distant but prominent peripheries can influence the laws and functions of the entire territory. This article discusses the latter dynamic by considering the influence of California and Texas on US society. In the US, its member states can influence the centre vertically and horizontally. Vertical influence occurs when states directly influence the federal government – for California and Texas, this influence rests on their large number of federal representatives and their internal single party dominance. Horizontal influence occurs when states influence other states – that is, states can adopt successful laws already present in other states. A combination of the two can take place where states cooperate to then influence the centre. Together, these behaviours demonstrate peripheral activism, actions political sub-units take to stamp their preferred vision of society on their broader state. To supplement the discussion, I discuss the ideological divide between California and Texas and how they attempt to stamp their preferred vision of politics on the US.