Answer: devolution

AnswerCrossword Clue
devolutiontransference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another
devolutionEvolutionary degeneration
devolutionThe legal transfer of property from one owner to another
devolutionThe transfer or delegation of power to a lower level, esp. by central government to local or regional administration
devolutionDescent or degeneration to a lower or worse state