Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What term describes the shift of program responsibilities from the federal government to the state level?

1. Devolution

2. Decentralization

3. Federalism

4. State Implementation

The correct answer is: Devolution

The term that describes the shift of program responsibilities from the federal government to the state level is devolution. Devolution refers specifically to the process where central government authority is transferred or delegated to lower levels of government, such as state or local governments. This concept implies not only a redistribution of responsibilities but also the ability for states to tailor programs to better fit their specific needs and populations. In the context of public health, devolution can lead to a more localized approach to health services, allowing states to manage resources and implement programs that reflect their unique demographic and health-related challenges. This process can promote innovation and responsiveness in health policy, as local governments may be more attuned to the needs of their communities compared to federal oversight. Decentralization also pertains to the distribution of administrative powers, but it is often used in broader contexts beyond just shifting responsibilities from the federal to the state level. Federalism describes the overall system of governance where power is divided between the national and state governments, but it does not specifically focus on the transfer of responsibilities. State Implementation, while related to the execution of programs at the state level, does not accurately capture the transition of responsibilities from federal to state governments. Thus, devolution is the most precise term for this specific process of