Devolution
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 anytime.
Former schemes of devolution in the United Kingdom:
- Irish home rule (1886-1914)
- the Government of Ireland Act, 1920
- the Scotland and Wales Acts, 1978
Schemes of devolutions which are implemented at present:
- The Belfast Agreement, also known as the âGood Fridayâ 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 the three constituent country are different.
See also
Scottish Parliament
Northern Ireland Assembly
National Assembly for Wales