Difference between revisions of "Devolution"
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| − | '''Devolution''' is the granting of powers to a lower level of government, while preserving | + | '''Devolution''' is the granting of powers to a lower level of [[government]], while preserving [[sovereign]]ty to the granting level. Unlike the [[federal]] arrangements of countries such as the [[United States of America]], devolution reserves supreme power to the granting level. |
| − | In other words, the granting level (the United Kingdom Parliament) can pass legislation which overrides legislation of the lower level (the Scottish Parliament) and it can even withdraw those powers at any time. | + | In other words, the granting level (the [[United Kingdom]] Parliament) can pass legislation which overrides legislation of the lower level (the Scottish Parliament) and it can even withdraw those powers at any time. |
Former schemes of devolution in the United Kingdom:<br /> | Former schemes of devolution in the United Kingdom:<br /> | ||
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*the Scotland and Wales Acts, 1978 - both were rejected in referenda | *the Scotland and Wales Acts, 1978 - both were rejected in referenda | ||
| − | Schemes of | + | Schemes of devolution which are implemented at present: |
*The [[Belfast Agreement]], also known as the ‘Good Friday’ Agreement for Northern Ireland, 1998 | *The [[Belfast Agreement]], also known as the ‘Good Friday’ Agreement for Northern Ireland, 1998 | ||
*the Scotland Act, 1998 | *the Scotland Act, 1998 | ||
Revision as of 11:42, March 14, 2011
Devolution is the granting of powers to a lower level of government, while preserving sovereignty to the granting level. Unlike the federal arrangements of countries such as the United States of America, devolution reserves supreme power to the granting level.
In other words, the granting level (the United Kingdom Parliament) can pass legislation which overrides legislation of the lower level (the Scottish Parliament) and it can even withdraw those powers at any time.
Former schemes of devolution in the United Kingdom:
- the Government of Ireland Act, 1920 - suspended in 1972
- the Scotland and Wales Acts, 1978 - both were rejected in referenda
Schemes of devolution which are implemented at present:
- The Belfast Agreement, also known as the ‘Good Friday’ Agreement for Northern Ireland, 1998
- the Scotland Act, 1998
- the Wales Act, 1998
It is important to bear in mind that the level and amount of devolution in these three constituent countries are different, and that England has no devolved powers.