What is a defining characteristic of "new federalism"?

New federalism is characterized primarily by the shift of power from the federal government back to the states. This movement emerged in response to the expansive federal power that had developed during the New Deal and Great Society eras. Advocates of new federalism argue that states are better equipped to address local issues and can manage programs more effectively than the federal government, allowing for greater responsiveness to the needs of their communities.

The focus of new federalism is on decentralization and returning authority to states, thereby promoting state control over various policy areas such as education, welfare, and healthcare. This approach reflects a belief that state governments can tailor their responses to better suit their populations, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.

Other concepts, such as strengthening federal mandates or consolidating power within the federal government, contradict the foundational principles of new federalism. Similarly, while promoting state independence is part of the ideology, it is not the main theoretical framework of new federalism, which still acknowledges a degree of cooperation and dependence on federal funding, albeit with reduced federal oversight.