Devolution is when Congress does which of the following?

Devolution refers to the process of transferring responsibilities and powers from a higher level of government to a lower level, most notably from the federal government to state and local governments. This practice emphasizes the idea that local and state governments are often better positioned to address issues based on their specific needs and circumstances, allowing for more tailored regulation and governance.

In the context of the question, when Congress engages in devolution, it effectively shifts the responsibilities for certain regulatory tasks from federal agencies down to state and local municipalities. This means that states have the authority to regulate and manage specific areas that were previously under federal control, promoting a system where local authorities can enact laws and regulations that directly reflect the desires and values of their communities.

This process can enhance government responsiveness and innovation by allowing local governments to experiment with different approaches to governance and regulation, leading to more effective and efficient solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by different communities.