What is the purpose of the 'Devolution Revolution'?

The purpose of the 'Devolution Revolution' is to return some powers and responsibilities from the national government back to the states. This movement gained momentum in the late 20th century, particularly during the 1990s, when there was a growing belief that state and local governments could manage certain functions more effectively than the federal government. Advocates argued that states were better suited to respond to the needs of their citizens and to innovate in public policy due to their closer proximity to the people they serve.

This reallocation of power is significant in the context of federalism, as it emphasizes the importance of state sovereignty and the idea that government should be as close to the people as possible. The Devolution Revolution reflects a shift towards encouraging states to take greater control over areas such as welfare, education, and transportation, promoting competition among states to implement successful policies.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the aims of the Devolution Revolution. Expanding the powers of the national government, centralizing authority, or eliminating state governments counter the core principles of devolution, which seek to empower local governance and reduce federal oversight.