The UK Constitution Essay Questions

Evaluate the extent to which devolution has successfully enhanced democracy in the UK. (30)

Devolution is the process whereby power, but not legal sovereignty, is distributed away from central government to regional governments.

It has brought democracy closer to the people. Small-scale democracy can be seen as more sensitive and accountable than large-scale. As devolved governments manage local services such as health, education and environment, they can be more sensitive to local needs than central government may be.This enables everyone to be effectivley represented and also means that it is easier for people to hold government accountable. However, because services are administered locally, they will vary from one part of the UK to another which can result in inequality of treatment. Even more inequality will be created when the devolved administrations gain control over some taxes as tax rates may vary. Therefore, devolution may weaken rather than enhance democracy.

The process of devolution included the establishment of more effective democratic systems, in particular using proportional electoral…