Final answer:
The process where powers are transferred to local levels of government is known as devolution, allowing for greater local autonomy and responsibility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which powers are sent down to local levels of government is known as devolution. This process enables subnational units such as states and municipalities to gain autonomy and take on responsibilities that were previously managed by the central government. Through devolution, a central or federal government delegates authority to lower levels of government, allowing for a more localized approach to governance and policy-making. For instance, in a federal system like the United States, the government operates on principles of federalism, sharing and distributing powers among different levels of government: federal, state, and local. The U.S. Constitution states that powers not specifically granted to the federal government are reserved for the states, enabling the states to have control over certain areas, such as education and infrastructure, while the federal government retains authority over issues like national defense and foreign policy.