ABSTRACT
Devolution is the delegation of powers by a state to units within its territory. It differs from a federal set-up in two ways. The state can (at least in constitutional theory) take powers back when it wants. And the powers delegated to different units may differ quite considerably. Devolution is a common arrangement in western and southern Europe and has always existed in Britain (in the Isle of Man, Channel Islands and Northern Ireland 1922–72). From 1998 it has again operated sporadically in Northern Ireland, as we have seen, and also in Scotland, Wales and Greater London.
