Examine:Analyse The Similarities Between Devolution and Federalism.

Paragraph Focus

• Para 1 = Decentralised Power

• Para 2 = Democracy

• Para 3 = Protection of Regional Identities

Para 1 = Federalism and Devolution

• US

  • since Dobbs v. Jackson’s Health Organisation (2022), after which states were given full control over regulating abortion

• UK

  • In 2022, the Scottish government nationalised rail by bringing ScotRail under public ownership.

• this shows that federalism reduces the centralisation of power to the federal/Westminster government

• this means the limited government is in tact as the federal government is not encroaching on states control over vital areas such as healthcare

Comparative Theory

• this can be explained by the structural theory

• both systems use formal legal design to push lawmaking power downward to regional bodies

• US = 10th amendment

• UK = eg. Scotland Act 1998

Para 2 = Federalism and Devolution

• US

  • eg. Analilia Majia won a special election in New Jersey’s 11th district to succeed Mikie Sherrill, who was an elected governor

• UK

  • eg. in Scotland, which the population is more left wing, this has led to the election of more left wing parties such as SNP who won 58 seats in the 2026 Parliament elections

• this shows that both systems enhances democracy by giving states/devolved nations elected representatives who represent them at national levels

• this means that the government is brought closer to the people and their issues will be addressed more specifically

Para 3 = Federalism and Devolution

• US

  • each state has equal Senate representation no matter its population, structurally over-weighting small states: Wyoming and California each return two senators despite vastly different populations

• UK

  • in Scotland, which the population is more left wing, this has led to the election of more left wing parties such as SNP who won 58 seats in the 2026 Parliament elections

• this shows that both systems provide channels through which distinct regional interest and identities can be expressed

• this means that representative democracy is more effective as this has created reforms more tailored to the people