Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What is devolution?

1. The redistribution of resources to poorer regions

2. The breakdown of central authority in a country

3. The transfer of power from local to national government

4. The economic growth of a nation

The correct answer is: The breakdown of central authority in a country

Devolution refers to the process by which central governments grant powers and responsibilities to regional or local authorities. This concept involves the transfer of certain powers to subnational levels of government, allowing for more localized decision-making. It often arises out of a desire for greater autonomy in governance, where regions may have distinct cultural, linguistic, or historical identities. The correct answer, which highlights the breakdown of central authority in a country, aligns with the idea of devolution as it often occurs when regional authorities demand more power or autonomy, which can lead to tensions or a diminished role of the central government. This decentralization can result in varied levels of authority being exercised by local governments, affecting how laws and regulations are implemented at different levels of governance. In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of devolution. Redistribution of resources to poorer regions, for example, addresses economic equity rather than a political shift of power. The transfer of power from local to national government reverses the process of devolution, while the economic growth of a nation is not inherently related to the distribution of political power or authority within that state.