Are federalism and devolution similar

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

Yes:

• The growing powers transferred to devolved bodies
• Some social issues are decided at a devolved level

No:

• Westminster can remove powers
• States have greater authority on social issues

Question 2

Para 1

Answer 2

Yes, the growing powers transferred to devolved bodies
E.g. the Scotland Act 2012 gave the Scottish Parliament the power to levy taxes by 10 pence per pound
(This therefore allowed a greater degree of autonomy in Scotland, leading to decisions being made closer to those which they affect)

No, Westminster can remove these powers as they are not entrenched
E.g. Westminster removed the powers of the Northern Irish Assembly from 2017 to 2020 due to disagreements within their government.
(Accordingly, unlike states whose powers are inalienably transferred, those devolved to other areas of the UK are at the mercy of Westminster)

Question 3

Para 2

Answer 3

Yes, social issues are partially decided at a devolved level similar to the federal system E.g. abortion laws are much tighter in Northern Ireland compared with those in Great Britain and it could be problematic if Westminster imposed uniformity on Ulster in this area
(Therefore, devolved bodies have power over social issues similar to that of states)

No, states have greater autonomy on social issues.
E.g. states can decide punishments for crimes such as Kansas who still decide to use the death penalty, versus New York where the death penalty has been outlawed
(it is therefore clear that federalism is not similar to devolution as states have a larger degree of power to control social issues as they can supersede federal law)

Question 4

Conc

Answer 4

No:

• Westminster can remove powers
• States have greater authority on social issues