Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Devolution is the transfer of power and decision-making authority from a central government to regional or local governments within a country. It aims to decentralize political power and give more autonomy to subnational units.
Federalism is a system of government where power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments, with each level having its own sphere of influence.
Decentralization refers to the dispersal of power and decision-making authority from a central government to lower levels, such as local governments or administrative units.
Home Rule: Home rule grants limited self-government powers to specific regions or localities within a country, allowing them to make decisions on certain issues without interference from the central government.