Devolution vs. Federalism

Attribute	Devolution	Federalism
Definition	Transfer of power from a central government to subnational entities	Division of power between a central government and regional governments
Extent of Autonomy	Subnational entities have limited autonomy	Regional governments have significant autonomy
Unitary vs. Federal	Unitary state with some decentralization	Federal state with shared powers
Origins	Evolution from unitary systems	Historical compromise between centralization and decentralization
Flexibility	Less flexible in terms of changing power dynamics	More flexible in accommodating diverse interests

Definition

Devolution and federalism are both systems of government that involve the distribution of power between a central authority and regional or local governments. Devolution typically refers to the delegation of powers from a central government to subnational entities, such as states or provinces. Federalism, on the other hand, is a system in which power is divided between a central government and constituent political units, such as states or provinces, with each level of government having its own sphere of authority.

Division of Powers

In a devolution system, the central government retains ultimate authority and can revoke the powers it has delegated to subnational entities. This means that devolved powers are not constitutionally guaranteed and can be taken back by the central government at any time. On the other hand, federalism involves a division of powers that is enshrined in a constitution, with each level of government having its own set of powers that cannot be unilaterally revoked by the other level of government.

Flexibility

Devolution is often seen as a more flexible system of government compared to federalism. This is because devolved powers can be adjusted or revoked by the central government as needed, allowing for a more responsive and adaptable system of governance. In contrast, federalism is typically more rigid, as the division of powers is constitutionally protected and can only be changed through a formal amendment process.

Relationship Between Levels of Government

In a devolution system, the relationship between the central government and subnational entities is often characterized by asymmetry. This means that different regions or states may have varying degrees of autonomy and powers, depending on the specific devolution arrangement. On the other hand, federalism typically involves a more symmetrical relationship between the central government and constituent political units, with each state or province having a similar level of autonomy and powers.

Decision-Making Process

Devolution systems often involve a more centralized decision-making process, with the central government playing a significant role in setting policies and making decisions that affect the entire country. Subnational entities in a devolution system may have limited authority to make decisions independently of the central government. In contrast, federalism allows for a more decentralized decision-making process, with states or provinces having more autonomy to make decisions that affect their own jurisdictions.

Examples

Devolution is commonly found in countries such as the United Kingdom, where powers have been devolved to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In these devolved regions, the central government retains the authority to revoke devolved powers if necessary. On the other hand, federalism is practiced in countries like the United States, where powers are divided between the federal government and individual states. The division of powers in the U.S. Constitution ensures that states have a certain level of autonomy that cannot be easily overridden by the federal government.