📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
What does devolution mean?
Correct answer: Transfer of some powers from Westminster to devolved parliaments
A Full independence
✓ Transfer of some powers from Westminster to devolved parliaments
C The abolition of Parliament
D A type of election
💡 Explanation
Devolution means the transfer of some powers from the UK Parliament at Westminster to devolved parliaments.
Key facts to remember
- Referendums 1997 in Scotland and Wales
- Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly established 1999
- Northern Ireland Assembly established 1998
- Devolution transferred some powers from Westminster
- Devolved powers include health, education, some law
- UK Parliament retains defence, foreign affairs, taxation; England has no devolved parliament
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.6.6 Devolution:
In 1997, referendums were held in Scotland and Wales on whether to establish devolved parliaments. Both voted in favour. The Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly (now called the Senedd Cymru or Welsh Parliament) were established in 1999. The Northern Ireland Assembly was also established in 1998 as part of the Good Friday Agreement.
Devolution means that some powers have been transferred from the UK Parliament at Westminster to the devolved parliaments and assemblies. These include powers over health, education, and some aspects of law. However, the UK Parliament remains sovereign and retains control over defence, foreign affairs, and taxation. England does not have its own devolved parliament.
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