Should the cultural significance of a region play a role in its political autonomy; why or why not?

I think a more federal centric government would be best rather than state centric.
Why? I have lived in Tennessee and Texas and I noticed a LOWER quality of education for Tennesseean kids. These both states are Republicans and yet the standard of education is super varied.
This made me realized to push for more federal ways rather than let states do whatever they want.
I understand some states like Texas want to separate.
I honestly think it's not a good idea for Texas to do this.