(12) differences between devolution and federalism

Question 1

unitary v federal

Answer 1

-UK, unitary system based on parliamentary sovereignty , legal sovereignty is centralised e.g. european withdrawal act 2020 without ratification from other nations
-US, parity between federal and state institutions, e.g. florida and education (dont say gay bill), congress and military (ukraine)
-cultural, UK mixes conservative and liberal ideas, US was formed by liberal revolutionaries

Question 2

devolution is evolving federalism is fixed

Answer 2

-UK, constitution is still evolving in terms of devolution, new parliaments, ans assembly and metro mayors have been created e.g. scotland acts 1998, 2014, and 2016
-US, constitution created federalism, permanent due to constitutional amendment process which has entrenched parity e.g. state powers of new york remain the same as they did 1789
-cultural, formation of US required rapid decentralisation, whereas devolution is a response to recently growing nationalism

Question 3

assymetrical vs symmetrical

Answer 3

-UK, degree of power devolved administration relates regional demand e.g. scotland has devo-max powers, greater manchester only has metro mayor with limited powers
-US, all states have the same power, those enumerated in the constitution, e.g. all states control abortion law
-cultural, demand for devolution differs across the UK, in the states demand in the same