Question

Why did the 1980s and 1990s New Federalism/Devolution Revolution cause a change in the makeup of the power balance between local, state, and national government?

A. To strengthen the power of local governments for better representation.
B. To reduce the role of the federal government in domestic affairs.
C. To enhance efficiency and decision-making at the state level.
D. To address concerns of centralized power and promote state autonomy

Answer 1

The New Federalism and Devolution Revolution aimed to shift power from the federal government back to the states, enhancing administrative efficiency, managing public spending, and improving policy outcomes while resulting in cross-state differences in services and more state-targeted lobbying efforts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The New Federalism and Devolution Revolution of the 1980s and 1990s sought to restore a balance of power that favored the states, resulting in a change in the makeup of the power balance between local, state, and national governments. This movement occurred under the leadership of Presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, aiming to decentralize policies for a variety of reasons, including the belief that it would enhance administrative efficiency, reduce overall public spending, and improve policy outcomes.

However, it's also critical to recognize that while these efforts did give states more leeway in policy implementation, it led to cross-state differences in service levels, influenced by the largely varying political and economic environments of the states. As lobbying interests recognized the shift in power to the states, lobbying efforts also adapted to target state governments more directly.