devolution
Pronunciation:
/diːvəˈluːʃən/noun
Definitions
A rolling down.
A descent, especially one that passes through a series of revolutions, or by succession
The transference of a right to a successor, or of a power from one body to another.
Degeneration (as opposed to evolution).
Example: It is quite disheartening to witness the devolution of our nation's political discourse over the past several years.