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
Regional autonomy refers to the degree of self-governance or independence granted to a particular region within a larger political system. It allows regions to have control over their own affairs, such as decision-making and policy implementation.
Devolution is a form of regional autonomy where powers are transferred from a central government to subnational units, such as states or provinces. This allows regions to have more control over their own governance while still being part of a larger political system.
Federalism is a system of government that divides power between a central authority and regional governments. It grants certain powers and responsibilities to both levels of government, allowing for greater regional autonomy within the overall framework of the country.
Confederation: A confederation is an alliance or association of independent states or regions that come together voluntarily for mutual benefit. In this system, regional autonomy is high as each member retains its sovereignty while delegating some powers to the confederal government for collective decision-making.