Sure, here's an example AP Gov exam question on devolution:

Question

What is devolution and how does it affect the distribution of power between the national government and state governments in the United States? Provide an example of devolution in action.

Answer

Devolution refers to the process of transferring powers and responsibilities from the federal government to state or local governments. This shift in power allows states and localities to have more control over issues that directly affect their residents.

Devolution affects the distribution of power by giving states increased authority in certain policy areas, such as education, transportation, and healthcare. This decentralization of power allows states to tailor policies to better suit the needs and preferences of their citizens. However, devolution can also lead to disparities between states in terms of resources and policy outcomes.

An example of devolution in action is the welfare reform of the 1990s. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 devolved significant authority over welfare programs from the federal government to the states. This shift allowed states to design and implement their own welfare policies and programs, leading to variations in eligibility criteria, benefit levels, and program requirements across the country.

In summary, devolution is the transfer of powers from the federal to state or local governments, impacting the distribution of power and policy decisions. The welfare reform is an example of devolution in action, demonstrating how it gives states more flexibility in crafting policies but also leads to variations in outcomes across different states.