In the context of federalism, what does "devolution" refer to?

Devolution refers specifically to the transfer of power from the national government to state or local governments. This concept emphasizes a decentralization of power, allowing states greater authority and autonomy to make decisions that affect their own policies and governance. By giving more power to state governments, devolution can enable a more tailored approach to issues that vary greatly across different regions, reflecting the unique needs and preferences of their populations. This idea contrasts with consolidating power at the national level, creating uniform policies, or restricting state autonomy in favor of federal control. Therefore, the correct understanding of devolution is that it facilitates a shift in the locus of power towards more local governance.