3.6 Devolution and federalism
11 min read•august 20, 2024
and are systems that distribute power between central and regional governments. They aim to accommodate diversity, enhance , and foster stability by transferring authority to subnational units. These approaches can take various forms and have significant impacts on governance.
The implementation of devolution and federalism varies across countries, reflecting unique historical and political contexts. While they can bring benefits like improved local responsiveness, they also pose challenges such as coordination issues and balancing with national unity. Understanding these systems is key to assessing their effectiveness in different settings.
Defining devolution and federalism
- Devolution and federalism are systems of governance that distribute power between central and regional governments
- Both involve the transfer of authority and resources from the national level to subnational units
- Devolution and federalism aim to accommodate regional diversity, enhance local governance, and foster political stability
Differences between devolution and federalism
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- Devolution involves the transfer of power from a central government to regional governments within a unitary state
- Federalism is a constitutional arrangement where sovereignty is shared between a central government and constituent units (states or provinces)
- Devolution is often a top-down process initiated by the central government, while federalism is typically established through a bottom-up process or negotiation between the central government and constituent units
Unitary vs federal systems
- In a unitary system, the central government holds ultimate authority and can choose to devolve power to regional governments
- In a federal system, power is constitutionally divided between the central government and constituent units, with each level having its own areas of jurisdiction
- Examples of unitary systems include France and China, while federal systems include the United States, Germany, and Brazil
Asymmetric vs symmetric devolution
- Asymmetric devolution involves the transfer of different powers and responsibilities to different regions within a country
- Symmetric devolution involves the transfer of the same powers and responsibilities to all regions within a country
- Asymmetric devolution is often used to accommodate regions with distinct cultural, linguistic, or historical identities (Basque Country and Catalonia in Spain)
- Symmetric devolution is more common in countries with relatively homogeneous regions (devolution in the United Kingdom prior to the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly)
Rationale for devolution
- Devolution is often pursued to address regional demands for greater autonomy and to manage ethnic, linguistic, or cultural diversity within a country
- By bringing decision-making closer to the people, devolution can enhance the responsiveness and accountability of local governments
- Devolution can also help to alleviate regional tensions and foster political stability by giving regions a stake in the governance of the country
Accommodating regional diversity
- Devolution allows for the recognition and accommodation of regional differences in culture, language, and identity
- By granting regions greater autonomy over matters such as education, language policy, and cultural affairs, devolution can help to preserve and promote regional distinctiveness
- Examples include the devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, which has helped to accommodate the distinct national identities of these regions
Enhancing local governance
- Devolution can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local governance by bringing decision-making closer to the people
- Local governments are often better placed to understand and respond to the needs and preferences of their constituents
- Devolution can also foster innovation and experimentation in policy-making, as regions can serve as "laboratories of democracy" (state-level policy innovations in the United States, such as cannabis legalization and carbon pricing)
Fostering political stability
- Devolution can help to manage regional tensions and prevent secessionist movements by giving regions a stake in the governance of the country
- By providing regions with a degree of self-determination and representation in national decision-making, devolution can help to foster a sense of shared ownership and loyalty to the state
- Examples include the devolution of powers to Aceh province in Indonesia following a long-running separatist conflict, and the creation of autonomous regions in the Philippines to address demands for self-determination among Muslim and indigenous communities
Models of devolution
- Devolution can take various forms, depending on the specific powers and responsibilities transferred from the central government to regional governments
- The three main models of devolution are , , and
- Countries may adopt different combinations of these models, depending on their political, historical, and cultural contexts
Administrative devolution
- Administrative devolution involves the transfer of responsibility for the implementation of centrally-determined policies to regional governments
- Regional governments may have some discretion in how they implement these policies, but they do not have the power to make their own laws or policies
- Examples include the devolution of healthcare administration to regional health authorities in Italy and the devolution of education administration to local education authorities in England
Legislative devolution
- Legislative devolution involves the transfer of law-making powers to regional governments in specific policy areas
- Regional governments can pass their own laws and policies in these areas, subject to the constraints of the national constitution and any reserved powers of the central government
- Examples include the devolution of law-making powers to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Parliament, and Northern Ireland Assembly in the United Kingdom, and the devolution of law-making powers to autonomous communities in Spain
Fiscal devolution
- Fiscal devolution involves the transfer of revenue-raising and spending powers to regional governments
- Regional governments may have the power to levy their own taxes, set their own budgets, and allocate resources according to their own priorities
- Fiscal devolution can take various forms, such as the sharing of national tax revenues between the central government and regional governments, or the granting of tax-raising powers to regional governments (property taxes, sales taxes)
- Examples include the fiscal federalism arrangements in Canada and the United States, where provinces and states have significant revenue-raising and spending powers
Challenges of devolution
- While devolution can bring many benefits, it also poses several challenges for the governance of a country
- These challenges include coordination between levels of government, ensuring equitable resource distribution, and balancing regional autonomy with national unity
- Addressing these challenges requires careful design of devolution arrangements and ongoing cooperation and negotiation between the central government and regional governments
Coordination between levels of government
- Devolution creates multiple levels of government with overlapping responsibilities, which can lead to coordination challenges
- There may be duplication of efforts, policy inconsistencies, or disputes over jurisdiction between the central government and regional governments
- Effective coordination requires clear delineation of roles and responsibilities, as well as mechanisms for intergovernmental cooperation and dispute resolution (intergovernmental councils, joint planning bodies)
Ensuring equitable resource distribution
- Devolution can exacerbate regional inequalities if resources are not distributed fairly between regions
- Richer regions may have greater capacity to raise revenues and provide public services, while poorer regions may struggle to meet the needs of their populations
- Ensuring equitable resource distribution may require fiscal equalization mechanisms, such as transfers from the central government to poorer regions or redistribution of revenues between regions (Canadian equalization payments, German Länderfinanzausgleich)
Balancing regional autonomy and national unity
- Devolution can sometimes lead to centrifugal pressures, as regions assert their autonomy and challenge the authority of the central government
- In extreme cases, devolution may fuel secessionist movements and threaten the unity of the country
- Balancing regional autonomy with national unity requires a careful balance of powers between the central government and regional governments, as well as mechanisms for national integration and solidarity (national symbols, shared institutions, cooperative )
Federalism in practice
- Federalism is a system of government where power is constitutionally divided between a central government and constituent units (states, provinces, or regions)
- Federal systems vary in their design and operation, depending on factors such as the historical, cultural, and political context of the country
- Key features of federalism in practice include the division of powers between levels of government, intergovernmental relations, and the balance between cooperative and competitive federalism
Division of powers in federal systems
- In a federal system, the constitution specifies the division of powers between the central government and constituent units
- The central government typically has exclusive jurisdiction over matters such as foreign policy, defense, and currency, while constituent units have jurisdiction over matters such as education, healthcare, and local government
- Some powers may be shared or concurrent, with both levels of government having the authority to legislate in these areas (environmental protection, taxation)
- The division of powers can be more or less centralized, depending on the country's specific federal arrangements (centralized federalism in Australia, decentralized federalism in Canada)
Intergovernmental relations in federations
- Federalism involves ongoing interactions and negotiations between the central government and constituent units
- Intergovernmental relations can take various forms, such as executive federalism (negotiations between the heads of government), legislative federalism (interactions between national and regional legislatures), and judicial federalism (resolution of disputes by the courts)
- Effective intergovernmental relations require mechanisms for cooperation, coordination, and dispute resolution, such as intergovernmental councils, joint policy-making bodies, and independent dispute resolution bodies (Australian Council of Australian Governments, German Bundesrat, Supreme Court of the United States)
Cooperative vs competitive federalism
- Federalism can be characterized as cooperative or competitive, depending on the nature of intergovernmental relations
- involves collaboration and partnership between the central government and constituent units in the pursuit of shared goals and objectives
- Competitive federalism involves rivalry and competition between the central government and constituent units, as each level of government seeks to assert its autonomy and pursue its own interests
- Most federal systems involve elements of both cooperative and competitive federalism, with the balance shifting over time and across policy areas (cooperative federalism in Germany, competitive federalism in the United States)
Devolution and federalism case studies
- Devolution and federalism arrangements vary widely across countries, reflecting different historical, cultural, and political contexts
- Case studies of devolution and federalism provide insights into the diverse ways in which these systems can be designed and implemented
- Key case studies include the United Kingdom's devolution arrangements, Canada's federal system, and Spain's asymmetric devolution
United Kingdom's devolution arrangements
- The United Kingdom has a unitary system of government, but has undergone a process of devolution since the late 1990s
- Devolution in the UK involves the transfer of powers from the central government to the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
- The Scottish Parliament, Welsh Parliament, and Northern Ireland Assembly have law-making powers in areas such as education, health, and local government, while the UK Parliament retains control over matters such as foreign policy, defense, and social security
- Devolution in the UK is asymmetric, with each devolved administration having different powers and responsibilities (Scotland has more powers than Wales, Northern Ireland has a power-sharing arrangement)
Canada's federal system
- Canada is a federal state with a constitution that divides powers between the federal government and the provinces
- The federal government has jurisdiction over matters such as defense, currency, and criminal law, while the provinces have jurisdiction over matters such as education, healthcare, and natural resources
- Canada's federal system is characterized by a high degree of decentralization, with the provinces having significant autonomy and revenue-raising powers
- Intergovernmental relations in Canada are characterized by a mix of cooperative and competitive federalism, with mechanisms such as the Council of the Federation and the First Ministers' Conferences facilitating cooperation and negotiation between the federal government and the provinces
Spain's asymmetric devolution
- Spain is a unitary state that has undergone a process of asymmetric devolution since the end of the Franco dictatorship in the 1970s
- Devolution in Spain involves the transfer of powers to 17 autonomous communities, each with its own parliament, government, and statute of autonomy
- The level of autonomy granted to each autonomous community varies, with some (such as the Basque Country and Catalonia) having more extensive powers than others
- Devolution in Spain has been shaped by the country's linguistic and cultural diversity, as well as by demands for greater autonomy from certain regions (particularly Catalonia and the Basque Country)
- Intergovernmental relations in Spain are characterized by a mix of cooperation and conflict, with ongoing tensions between the central government and some autonomous communities over issues such as fiscal autonomy and independence referendums
Impacts of devolution and federalism
- Devolution and federalism can have significant impacts on various aspects of a country's political, economic, and social life
- These impacts include effects on regional identities and nationalism, economic development and policy innovation, and democratic participation and accountability
- Understanding these impacts is crucial for assessing the effectiveness and desirability of devolution and federalism arrangements
On regional identities and nationalism
- Devolution and federalism can strengthen regional identities and foster a sense of belonging to a particular region or community
- By giving regions greater autonomy and representation, devolution and federalism can provide a channel for the expression of regional distinctiveness and pride
- However, devolution and federalism can also sometimes fuel nationalist sentiments and secessionist movements, particularly in regions with a strong sense of cultural or linguistic identity (Catalonia in Spain, Quebec in Canada)
- Managing the impacts of devolution and federalism on regional identities and nationalism requires a careful balance between accommodating regional diversity and fostering national unity
On economic development and policy innovation
- Devolution and federalism can have both positive and negative impacts on economic development and policy innovation
- On the one hand, devolution and federalism can foster economic competition between regions, as each seeks to attract investment and promote growth
- Devolution and federalism can also encourage policy experimentation and innovation, as regions serve as "laboratories of democracy" for testing new approaches to social and economic challenges
- On the other hand, devolution and federalism can sometimes lead to economic fragmentation and inefficiencies, as regions pursue divergent policies and compete for resources
- Ensuring that devolution and federalism promote economic development and policy innovation requires mechanisms for intergovernmental coordination and cooperation, as well as fiscal equalization to address regional disparities
On democratic participation and accountability
- Devolution and federalism can enhance democratic participation and accountability by bringing decision-making closer to the people
- By creating multiple levels of government, devolution and federalism provide more opportunities for citizens to engage in the political process and hold their representatives accountable
- Devolution and federalism can also promote political pluralism and minority representation, as different regions and communities have a greater say in the governance of the country
- However, devolution and federalism can sometimes lead to confusion and opacity in the political process, as citizens may struggle to navigate the complex web of intergovernmental relations and responsibilities
- Ensuring that devolution and federalism enhance democratic participation and accountability requires mechanisms for citizen engagement, transparency, and oversight, as well as clear lines of responsibility and accountability between levels of government
Key Terms to Review (23)
Administrative Decentralization: Administrative decentralization refers to the redistribution of authority, responsibility, and financial resources from central government to local or regional levels of government. This process aims to enhance the effectiveness of governance by bringing decision-making closer to the people and allowing for more tailored responses to local needs. It also often involves the delegation of administrative powers to lower levels, promoting greater efficiency and accountability in public service delivery.
Administrative devolution: Administrative devolution refers to the transfer of authority and responsibilities from a central government to local or regional governments, enabling them to make decisions and govern more independently. This process can enhance local governance by allowing regions to tailor policies and services to their specific needs, fostering greater democratic participation and accountability.
Asymmetrical Federalism: Asymmetrical federalism is a form of federal governance where power and autonomy are distributed unevenly among subnational entities. This means that some regions have more authority or rights than others within the same country, reflecting varying historical, cultural, or political contexts. This structure can arise in response to diverse populations and regional demands, impacting how governance and resources are managed across different areas.
Cooperative Federalism: Cooperative federalism is a political concept where state and federal governments work together to address common issues and implement policies. This approach often blurs the lines of authority, leading to a more integrated relationship between different levels of government. It contrasts with dual federalism, where powers are more distinctly separated, allowing for shared responsibilities and resources in various areas such as education, transportation, and social services.
David Harvey: David Harvey is a prominent British geographer and social theorist known for his influential work in political geography, particularly regarding urbanization, capitalism, and spatial justice. His ideas about the right to the city and the dynamics of globalization connect closely with various themes, highlighting how power dynamics shape spaces and places across different contexts.
Devolution: Devolution refers to the process by which central governments transfer power and authority to local or regional governments, allowing for greater autonomy and self-governance. This shift can lead to a more decentralized political structure, where local governments have the ability to make decisions on various issues, reflecting the unique needs and preferences of their populations. The concept of devolution is often linked to the principles of Westphalian sovereignty, as it can challenge traditional state boundaries and create more complex political landscapes, especially in multinational states.
Devolution agreements: Devolution agreements are formal arrangements between a central government and regional or local governments that grant varying degrees of legislative and administrative powers to the latter. These agreements are part of a broader trend towards decentralization, allowing regions to exercise more control over their own affairs, such as education, health, and transportation, which can lead to increased political autonomy and responsiveness to local needs.
Dual Federalism: Dual federalism is a political system in which power is divided between the national and state governments, each operating within their own spheres of authority without much overlap. This system emphasizes a clear distinction in the responsibilities of each level of government, allowing states to manage their own affairs while the federal government focuses on national issues. The concept often evokes the image of a 'layered cake,' where both levels of government are seen as separate entities with their own domains.
Ethnonationalism: Ethnonationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular ethnic group, often advocating for the establishment or preservation of a nation-state based on shared ethnicity. This ideology often fuels movements for self-determination and independence, reflecting deep-seated cultural identities and histories. Ethnonationalism can lead to demands for political autonomy or statehood for stateless nations, fuel separatist movements, and shape the dynamics of devolution and federalism, while intertwining with religious identities in contexts of religious nationalism.
Federal Arbitration: Federal arbitration is a process by which disputes, particularly those involving federal law or regulations, are resolved through a neutral third party known as an arbitrator. This mechanism allows for a more streamlined and less formal approach to resolving conflicts than traditional court proceedings, making it an important tool in the context of governance and federalism.
Federal Hierarchy: Federal hierarchy refers to the organization of government in a federal system, where authority is distributed across different levels, typically including national, regional, and local governments. This structure creates a relationship where power and responsibilities are shared among various layers of governance, enabling a division of tasks and resources that can better address the needs of diverse populations. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial to grasping how federal systems manage complexity and ensure representation at multiple levels.
Federalism: Federalism is a political system in which power is divided between a central authority and various regional entities, allowing both levels of government to exercise authority over the same geographic area. This division of power helps to accommodate diverse populations and promotes regional autonomy while maintaining national unity. It is particularly relevant in the context of managing multinational states, addressing issues of devolution, responding to ethnic nationalism, and navigating local governance like sanctuary cities.
Fiscal devolution: Fiscal devolution refers to the transfer of financial responsibilities and resources from central governments to lower levels of government, such as regional or local authorities. This process enables subnational governments to raise revenue and manage public spending, thereby enhancing their autonomy and capacity to address local needs. The concept is closely tied to devolution and federalism, as it reflects a shift in power dynamics and governance structures that allows for more localized decision-making.
Intergovernmental relations: Intergovernmental relations refer to the interactions and collaborations between different levels of government, such as federal, state, and local entities, to manage public policy and governance. These relationships are essential for coordinating efforts across various jurisdictions, especially in federal systems where authority is divided. This coordination can influence the effectiveness of policies related to resource distribution, regulatory frameworks, and service delivery among different governmental units.
John Agnew: John Agnew is a prominent political geographer known for his contributions to understanding the concepts of statehood, sovereignty, and the spatial dimensions of power. His work often critiques the traditional notions of state sovereignty, particularly in relation to Westphalian principles, and explores how geography influences political identities and actions within multinational states, separatism, and regional governance structures.
Legislative devolution: Legislative devolution refers to the process by which powers and responsibilities are transferred from a central government to regional or local governments, allowing them to create their own laws and policies. This transfer of authority enhances the autonomy of subnational entities, which can lead to greater responsiveness to local needs and interests. Legislative devolution can play a crucial role in shaping political landscapes and influencing governance structures within a state.
Local governance: Local governance refers to the system of decision-making and administration at the municipal or regional level, allowing local authorities to manage public services and local affairs. It is essential for promoting citizen participation, enhancing accountability, and tailoring policies to meet the specific needs of communities. This decentralized approach empowers local entities to exercise a degree of autonomy and play a significant role in governance structures, particularly in the context of devolution and federalism.
Political participation: Political participation refers to the various ways in which individuals engage in the political process, including voting, campaigning, and advocating for policies. It is a crucial aspect of democracy as it allows citizens to express their opinions and influence decision-making. Active political participation can shape public policy and reflect the interests and needs of different communities within a system of governance.
Quebec sovereignty movement: The Quebec sovereignty movement is a political and social campaign aimed at achieving greater autonomy or independence for the province of Quebec from Canada. This movement has been characterized by a desire to protect the French language and culture, as well as to assert the province's distinct identity, often leading to calls for a separate nation-state. It is closely tied to the broader themes of devolution and federalism, where regional demands challenge centralized authority and push for self-governance.
Regional Autonomy: Regional autonomy refers to the degree of self-governance granted to a specific region or locality within a larger political entity, allowing it to exercise control over certain policies and decisions. This concept is important in understanding how regions manage their own affairs, especially in contexts where demands for independence or greater representation arise. Regional autonomy can significantly impact the political landscape, often intersecting with issues of nationalism, territorial disputes, and governance structures.
Regional representation: Regional representation refers to the practice of ensuring that various geographic regions have a voice in the political process, often through specific governmental structures or electoral systems. This concept is essential in balancing power and addressing the unique needs and interests of diverse areas, particularly in systems of governance like federalism and devolution, where regional identities and local governance play a significant role in political decision-making.
Scotland Act: The Scotland Act is a piece of legislation passed by the UK Parliament that established a devolved Scottish Parliament, granting it varying degrees of legislative power over specific areas such as education, health, and justice. This act represents a key development in the broader context of devolution, reflecting the movement toward greater autonomy for regions within the United Kingdom and influencing discussions around federalism and regional governance.
Subsidiarity: Subsidiarity is a principle in political theory that asserts decisions should be made at the most local level possible, allowing higher levels of authority to intervene only when necessary. This concept emphasizes the importance of local governance and community engagement, suggesting that smaller entities are often better suited to address their own needs than larger bureaucratic systems. It is fundamental in discussions of devolution and federalism, where power distribution and the relationship between different levels of government are central themes.