Definition

The transfer of power from central government to regional authorities, essentially letting the kids have their own room while parents keep the master bedroom. It's how countries manage to stay united while giving restless provinces enough autonomy to stop threatening divorce every election cycle. Not to be confused with evolution running backwards, though political opponents often describe it exactly that way.

Example Usage

After devolution, Scotland got its own parliament to make decisions, though England still controlled whether they could actually leave.

Source: Common political science terminology

Related Terms

Advanced

pluralism

The political philosophy that celebrates diversity by allowing multiple groups, beliefs, and power centers to coexist within one society without anyone getting crushed. It's democracy's group project approach—acknowledging that different ethnic, religious, and cultural communities can maintain their identities while sharing the sandbox. The opposite of "my way or the highway" governance.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

parliamentary

Relating to a system of government where the executive branch emerges from the legislative body, as opposed to the American system where we elect people to fight each other across branches. In this setup, the Prime Minister can actually lose their job mid-term if Parliament gets cranky, which Americans find either admirably efficient or terrifyingly unstable. Also describes procedures so formal and rule-bound that it takes 20 minutes to ask a simple question.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

oppo dump

The strategic release of damaging opposition research, usually timed for maximum impact and minimum rebuttal time. It's the political equivalent of dropping a scandal bomb right before the weekend news cycle.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

floor amendment

A proposed change to legislation introduced during debate on the floor rather than in committee, often deployed as a surprise attack or last-ditch effort. It's democracy's version of editing a document while everyone's watching.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

incumbents

The current office-holders who enjoy the perks of name recognition, franking privileges, and an entire staff dedicated to making them look good. These are the politicians with 'experience' (read: connections) who statistically win re-election at rates that would make Vegas bookies jealous. The reason why 'throw the bums out' rarely results in actual bum-throwing.

🏛️ Government / Politics
Intermediate

sovereignty

Supreme authority within a territory, recognizing no legal superior in domestic or international affairs. The political equivalent of 'I'm not touching you'—technically independent while still subject to economic reality and military power.

🏛️ Government / Politics

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Intermediate

accede

The formal political term for finally saying 'yes' after weeks of strategic maybe's and diplomatic foot-dragging. It's w...