Let Them Eat Marblecake: The Preferences of Michigan Citizens for Devolution and Intergovernmental Service-Provision

Based on a survey of Michigan residents, this study explores public support for devolution of public services to state and local governments. The survey allowed respondents to choose more than one level of government to provide services. On one hand, a large majority endorsed the devolution of services from the federal government to the states in general. On the other hand, for most of 11 specific services studied, respondents preferred arrangements involving all three governments. Regression analysis indicates that a preference for having services delivered by state and/or local governments only is stronger among Republicans, conservatives, whites, and older citizens. Overall, however, Michiganians embrace “marblecake ” federalism. Copyright , Oxford University Press.