Changes

'''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.

'''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 anytime.  

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:

*the Government of Ireland Act, 1920 - suspended in 1972

*the Government of Ireland Act, 1920 - suspended in 1972

*the Scotland and Wales Acts, 1978 - both were rejected in referenda

*the Scotland and Wales Acts, 1978 - both were rejected in referenda

Schemes of devolutions which are implemented at present:

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

*the Wales 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 | constituent countries]] are different.

It is important to bear in mind that the level and amount of devolution in these three [[constituent country|constituent countries]] are different, and that [[England]] has no devolved powers.

== See also ==

==See also==

[[Scottish Parliament]]<br />

*[[Scottish Parliament]]

[[Northern Ireland Assembly]]<br />

*[[Northern Ireland Assembly]]

[[National Assembly for Wales]]

*[[National Assembly for Wales]]

[[Category:British Politics]]

[[Category: British Politics]]