What is Devolution?
Devolution is the transfer of power away from a centralized government to regional or local governments or organizations It is a form of decentralization that often allows local authorities to make decisions on matters that are traditionally under the jurisdiction of the national government. The purpose of devolution is to create a balance between the power of central authority and local electors, granting both the responsibility and authority to meet their local needs.
Devolution is distinct from federalism in that it does not create new levels of government; instead, it aims to strengthen and streamline existing governmental structures. The regional governments must still conform to the will of the national government and remain under the authority of the centralized government. Many countries have implemented some form of devolution to disperse power and decision-making throughout their nation.
Five Examples of Devolution in Recent History
1. Scotland: In 1998, the UK passed the Scotland Act, which granted Scotland a degree of autonomy, devolving a range of powers including education, health care and criminal justice to the Scottish Parliament. Scotland now has its own government and judicial system and is responsible for matters such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice.
2. Northern Ireland: In 1998, the UK passed the Northern Ireland Act, granting Northern Ireland a degree of autonomy and devolving a range of powers to the Northern Ireland Assembly. This included responsibility for areas such as agriculture, education, health care, and criminal justice.
3. Wales: In 2006, the UK passed the Wales Act, granting Wales a degree of autonomy and devolving a range of powers to the Welsh Assembly. This included responsibility for areas such as housing, education, health care, and criminal justice.
4. Australia: In 1999, Australia enacted the Australian Constitution, which granted states and territories a degree of autonomy. The Constitution devolved a range of powers to the states and territories, including responsibility for matters such as health care, education, transport, and law enforcement.
5. India: In 2010, India enacted the 73rd and 74th Amendments to its Constitution, which granted states, districts, and local bodies a degree of autonomy. These amendments devolved a range of powers to the states, districts, and local bodies, including responsibility for areas such as health care, education, transport, and law enforcement.