What does new federalism advocate for?

New federalism advocates for shifting some authority back to the states. This approach is rooted in the belief that local and state governments can be more effective and responsive to the needs of their citizens than the federal government. By decentralizing certain powers and responsibilities, new federalism aims to enhance state autonomy and promote a closer alignment between government policies and the specific circumstances of individual states.

This model challenges the increasing centralization of power that characterized much of the 20th century, particularly during times when federal authority expanded significantly. Advocates of new federalism argue that returning certain powers to states allows for more tailored and efficient government, fostering innovation in governance as states can adopt policies that best suit their unique populations and challenges.

In contrast, increased federal authority over states would go against the principles of new federalism, as would the ideas of completely eliminating federal power or creating a unitary government model, which centralizes power at the national level.