Final answer:
The President who initiated new federalism, seeking to move power and resources back to the states, was Richard Nixon. He was succeeded by Ronald Reagan, who continued these efforts but faced challenges in implementing the policy consistently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The president who began to move power, funds, and responsibility back to the states in what was called new federalism was President Richard Nixon. His administration, which lasted from 1969 to 1974, hoped to transfer numerous social programs back to the states, supported by federal grants. This approach was based on the belief that decentralization would lead to administrative efficiency, reduced public spending, and improved outcomes.
Later, President Ronald Reagan continued the principles of new federalism during his administration from 1981 to 1989. He aimed to reverse the nationalization trend by restoring states' prominence in certain policy areas through actions like the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981. However, despite some successes, Reagan faced opposition which made his promotion of new federalism somewhat inconsistent.