Question

One drawback of devolution is that

a. the standards associated with particular programs become increasingly rigid and hard to enforce.
b. the standards associated with particular programs become increasingly variable between states.
c. Congress is removed completely from the United States’ foreign policy process.
d. states have a much harder time implementing programs than the federal government does.

Answer 1

The drawback of devolution is that it leads to increasingly variable standards between states, as states tailor policies to their specific needs, leading to disparity in program quality and uniformity. This variability can complicate national efforts to ensure equality in public services across the country and can foster unhealthy interstate competition.

Step-by-step explanation:

One drawback of devolution is that b. the standards associated with particular programs become increasingly variable between states. Devolution refers to the process where power and responsibility are transferred from a central government to local or regional governments. This decentralization often results in greater variability in program standards and practices across different states due to the differences in policy implementation and local governance priorities.

With devolution, states are afforded the flexibility to tailor programs such as education, health, and social welfare to address specific needs and interests of their citizens. However, this flexibility can lead to disparity in program quality and availability, contrasting with the uniformity that stronger federal standards might provide. The issue of collective action also becomes relevant, where states may compete in a race-to-the-bottom by lowering regulations to attract businesses.

As power shifts to state level, interests might prioritize influencing policy at the state rather than federal level. While devolution can enhance administrative efficiency and respect state sovereignty, it may result in diverse levels of benefits and coverage, and potentially undermining the capacity to tackle national issues comprehensively.

Answer 2

Option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The standards associated with particular programs become increasingly variable between states, is the right answer.

Devolution is a term used to refers to the process of assigning the powers from the central to the lower government, which involves the local administration. The regional or the local government to whom the power is assigned has the complete right to enact rules which are appropriate to the particular field by conferring high-level sovereignty. In this way, a drawback of devolution is the standards associated with the particular arrangements that become variable between various states.