Devolved

Devolved is the past participle of devolve and, as an adjective, describes something that has been transferred or delegated from a central authority to a lower level, or that has diminished in authority or scope. In political science, devolved powers are those transferred from a national government to regional, provincial, or local authorities. The process is often referred to as devolution, and it can involve legislative, fiscal, or administrative powers. The resulting subnational units may retain autonomy within a framework set by the central constitution or statute.

Etymology: From Latin devolvere “to roll down,” from de- “down” + volvere “to roll,” via Old French and English usage.

Examples include the United Kingdom's devolution to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Spain's autonomous communities; Italy's regions; and Canada’s provinces, although the exact scope and permanence vary by country. Devolution differs from decentralization; devolution typically involves a formal transfer of legislative powers and is often constitutionally enshrined, while decentralization can be broader and include administrative or fiscal autonomy that may be reversible.

The term devolved can also describe a decline in quality or status: for example, a discussion that devolved into a quarrel. This sense is common in everyday language and is distinct from political usage.

In modern political discourse, devolution is debated in relation to federalism, regional nationalism, and unitary states, with discussions about its aims—efficiency, representation, accountability. See also Devolution, Decentralization, Federalism, Regional autonomy.