Different types of devolution have been practiced in democracies around the world. Often the word ‘devolution’ is used to describe different things and thus have different meaning. Their understandings differ and hence they have contributed to varying theoretical frameworks. Thus, implementation in different parts of the world differs considerably. These inconsistencies have drawn discussions and debate. The word devolution is mostly used interchangeably with the word ‘decentralization’[1].

Devolution implies to the shift of authority from the central Administration down to lower levels of administration and territorial chain of command. Devolution implies the transformation of localized structures of governance for example in natural resource management. For example, this is by allowing local people to participate in national government functions.

Devolution also refers to the transfer the power and authority from the centralized to local levels. The functions and operation of the federal government are transferred to the local authorities. In devolution democracies, the constitutionally mandated local governments control local natural resources. These local authorities are also concerned with ensuring the welfare of local resources such as water catchment areas and forests are safeguarded and protected. Many national government functions are usually delegated to these local authorities to manage them. They include healthcare, infrastructure among others[2].

For this reason, agents of the national governments have to be sent to these local authorities to ensure smooth operation of these devolved functions. These local administrative units are accountable and answerable to the national government in power. They represent the national government locally.

1. Background of the Devolution of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland

For a long time, the countries that make up the United Kingdom were under one government and parliament. However, this reality has changed over time since countries such as Wales and Scotland sought to have its government and parliament. Indeed, the year 1997 became a period where the residents of Wales Scotland decided to have their governance through a referendum. This led to the establishment of acts that governed the relationship between the new parliaments and the main UK government. In truth, the British government passed three Acts related to devolution. These acts include the Scotland and the Government of Wales Acts. The devolution in Northern Ireland was done as an agreement. The devolution did not alter the power of the two main houses, as the parliament remained to be the powerful house of the two houses for the devolved nations[3]. The devolution led to the following

Devolved Legislatures

The parliament remained as the powerful house even after the devolution. However, the legislature was devolved to these regions. Although the two bodies have its diverse powers, the difference comes when one considers their mode of election of members. Indeed, the elections in Parliament are conducted using a system known as first-past-the-post while members in a devolved legislature are elected through share representation.

The members of both parliaments serve as representatives of either a constituency or a region using different models of an election. In truth, members of a constituency are elected through first-past-the-post. Those of a region are selected through additional members. The elected members have similar roles in the legislatures. The election in Northern Ireland is done on one transferable vote form of rational representation

Devolved Administrations

The elected members in the Scottish and Welsh governments handle the selection of members who are expected to form the administration. The ministers that are nominated comprise of an executive arm that is different for both countries. Indeed, the executive members are made up of a majority of members that come from the SNP in Scotland. Wales takes up the minority with its executive members coming from the Labour Party. This implies that Scotland acts as a superior government to Wales. That of Northern Ireland is shared between five parties[4].

The difference between the ministers in the devolved system and those in the main government is that the ministers in the devolved system work in their capacities. However, those in the main government answer to the Prime Minister.

3. Comparison and Contrast

The devolution processes in Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland have some similarities and differences in that they occurred because of similar reasons. The devolutions also occurred at approximately the same time. The desire to have a legislative body and power within their territory motivated these nations into deciding that this function should be devolved. All these countries felt that devolution would bring benefits to their country since the services would be brought near to its citizens. Moreover, the power to decide the fate of their region was given to them. As much as the motivation for devolution was similar, the process of devolution differed for all these countries. However, the process was the same for Wales and Scotland as both used the mode of a referendum to get a devolved government. As much as the devolution went through a referendum in Ireland, the process was not direct as it was in Scotland and Wales. The devolution was subject to an agreement known as the Belfast Agreement, which was later subjected to a referendum. The devolution of these states led to the passing of three different set of laws for each devolved country. These laws were meant to govern the relationship between the devolved states and the main government.

Perhaps the main difference between the devolution of the three states is the composition of their executive members. In Ireland, the positions of the ministers are divided between five largest parties in the country. A majority of Scottish ministers are given to the biggest party in the country, which is the Scottish National Party. The Wales Assembly forms the small part of this administration with members from the Labour Party.

Since the late 19th century, the structure of the Constitution of UK has gone through a remarkable change. In this period of decentralization, authority initially enjoyed by the United Kingdom has been transferred to these individual countries. Parliament have been vested the newly formed legislations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. These legislative bodies in these countries differ and have contrasting frameworks and structures put in place[5].

One main comparison is the assembly powers devolved or vested in the respective countries. For example the powers of the assembly as outlined in The Wales Government Act of 1998, and made possible by The Wales national assembly order 1999, are certainly less widespread compared to those delegated to the Parliament of Scotland.

Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland legislative assemblies have undertaken different stages of decentralization. Each arm of these individual legislative assemblies were not delegated all the former function of the UK.This is because each country had varying matters in terms of their legislative competence.

Bibliography

Burrows, N. Devolution. (London: Sweet & Maxwell. 2000).

Conclusion a Devolution in Wales. Devolution and Governance, (2014).

McEvoy, J. The politics of Northern Ireland. (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2008).

Mitchell, J. Devolution in the UK, (2009).

Pilkington, C. Devolution in Britain today. (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2002).

Wills, E. Scotland (12th ed.). (London: A & C Black, 2001).

[1]Mitchell, J. Devolution in the UK, (2009).

[2]Conclusion a Devolution in Wales. Devolution and Governance, (2014).

[3]Burrows, N. Devolution. (London: Sweet & Maxwell. 2000)

[4]Pilkington, C. Devolution in Britain today. (Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2002).

[5]Wills, E. Scotland (12th ed.). (London: A & C Black, 2001)

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