Changes in laws often reflect shifts in public perceptions which make these changes possible. Local and state governments typically adopt new legislation before changes occur at the federal level. The more local and state changes occur, the more legitimacy the new legislation gains, and thus the more likely the changes are to occur in other locales and at higher levels of government. Which of the following statements, if true, would most seriously weaken the above argument?
1) State and local governments must often adopt legislation mandated by the Federal Government.
2) State and local governments have been pioneers in enacting legislation in response to changing public perceptions.
3) When laws change in response to changing public perceptions, it becomes more likely that similar laws will change in other locales.
4) Public perceptions change over time.
5) As new legislation gains legitimacy, it is more likely to be adopted at the federal level.