Which term describes the transfer of power from a central government to state or local governments, emphasizing less interference from the central government?

Which term describes the transfer of power from a central government to state or local governments, emphasizing less interference from the central government?

• A. Devolution
• B. Federalism
• C. Dual Federalism
• D. Cooperative Federalism

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is downward transfer of power from the national government to state or local governments, with less central interference. That is devolution. It focuses on shifting authority away from the central level and letting subnational governments take the lead on more policy decisions, often accompanied by reduced federal mandates or oversight. This differs from federalism as a whole, which is the broader system of shared sovereignty between national and subnational governments. It also differs from dual federalism, which describes a period when national and state powers were more clearly separated with little overlap, not a general move to reduce central control. Cooperative federalism, on the other hand, involves more collaboration and joint programs between levels of government, rather than transferring power downward and limiting central interference.

The concept being tested is downward transfer of power from the national government to state or local governments, with less central interference. That is devolution. It focuses on shifting authority away from the central level and letting subnational governments take the lead on more policy decisions, often accompanied by reduced federal mandates or oversight.

This differs from federalism as a whole, which is the broader system of shared sovereignty between national and subnational governments. It also differs from dual federalism, which describes a period when national and state powers were more clearly separated with little overlap, not a general move to reduce central control. Cooperative federalism, on the other hand, involves more collaboration and joint programs between levels of government, rather than transferring power downward and limiting central interference.