Early in U.S. history states gave the most authority to?

Early in U.S. history, states gave the most authority to their own legislatures. This decentralized power reflected a strong commitment to local governance and the belief in states' rights, as articulated in documents like the Articles of Confederation. The emphasis on state authority was driven by a desire to prevent the centralization of power and to ensure that local needs and interests were prioritized. Over time, however, this balance shifted as the federal government gained more power.