Final answer:
President Ronald Reagan championed devolution, advocating for the decentralization of power to states, but faced opposition that limited his success. Thomas Jefferson also espoused similar views, promoting a smaller federal government during his presidency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The president who favored a model of devolution and actively sought policies that limited federal power while empowering state governments was Ronald Reagan. During the Reagan administration, the U.S. saw attempts to reduce the size and influence of the federal government through new federalism. This policy was based on the idea that decentralizing power to the states would lead to more efficient administration, reduced public spending, and better policy outcomes. Despite these efforts, Reagan faced significant opposition, which led to inconsistencies in his track record. For instance, his attempts to devolve programs like Aid to Families With Dependent Children and food stamps met resistance from Congress and state officials. Moreover, President Thomas Jefferson also held similar views on federalism, focusing on less government interference and more freedom for the people, which he put into practice during his term.