What does the term “delegated authority” refer to in New Federalism?

The term "delegated authority" in New Federalism primarily refers to the process of transferring powers from the federal government to state governments. This concept reflects a key aspect of New Federalism, which emphasizes a reallocation of power and resources, fostering more autonomy at the state level. The idea is that states are often in a better position to address their specific needs and challenges, and by delegating authority, the federal government acknowledges the capacity of state governments to govern more effectively within their jurisdictions.

In this context, the other options address different aspects of governmental powers and relationships. While local governments do have certain autonomies, the focus here is on the broader shift from the federal to state level. Similarly, authority given by states to the federal government or the enforcement of federal laws involves different dynamics that do not encapsulate the essence of delegated authority as seen in New Federalism. Thus, option B accurately embodies the core principle of delegating or transferring powers to enhance state governance.