Second-Order Devolution: Data and Doubt

In this article, we explore changes in state–local relations. Our interest is the degree to which states have devolved power and authority to their localities … or not. From our empirical tests, we conclude that although centralization was the dominant trend from the mid-1950s until the mid-1980s, the pattern since then has been somewhat uneven and variable across states. A survey of city managers supports a finding of a loss of local power at the hands of the states, but a survey of legislators offers an alternative perspective. We conclude with a discussion of the meaning and implications of state centralization and suggestions about how the concept could be captured more comprehensively.

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