Which of the following terms is associated with allowing local bodies to enforce stricter laws?

The term that best fits the concept of allowing local bodies to enforce stricter laws is "preempt." In the context of law, preemption refers to the principle that allows higher levels of government (such as state or federal) to override or limit the authority of lower levels (like local governments) from enacting conflicting regulations. However, when local bodies are permitted to implement stricter regulations, it can indicate that the higher level of government is enabling or allowing localities to exercise their authority more freely within certain boundaries, which can be considered a form of preemption that prioritizes local governance on specific issues.

By contrast, the other terms do not convey the same legal context effectively. "Restrict" implies limiting power rather than allowing autonomy, "permit" generally indicates giving permission but does not capture the legal framework of preemption, and "encourage" suggests support but lacks the authoritative aspect of allowing stricter regulations. This makes "preempt" the most accurate choice regarding the enforcement of stricter local laws.