Federal System & Devolution
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 17.2.3
Concepts of Federalism and Devolution
The UK has a devolved system of government, and the US has a federal system of government.
Federal system - US
- The US constitution has set up a federal system where power is divided between the national government and state governments.
- Articles I to IV of the Constitution outline the different powers of the federal government and the states.
Devolution - UK
- The UK has a devolved system of government where the central government has some powers whilst other powers are granted to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Similarities
- Federalism and devolution aim to provide powers at the local level to local and regional communities.
- The 1998 devolution acts established national assemblies with their own powers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Each US state has its own system of government with a governor, state congress and supreme court which legislates on state issues.
Differences
- In federalism, the state and central government are equally powerful and important, whilst in a devolved system, the central government is most powerful.
- In federalism, the national and state government have their own specific powers, with some powers shared.
- In a devolved system, the national government agrees to give powers to the devolved governments.
Test yourself on Federal System & Devolution
Which of these statements about the federal system in the US, and devolution in the UK are true?
Which articles of the US Constitution outline the different powers of the federal government and the states?
What was the year of the devolution acts in the UK?