devolutivité

Devolutivité refers to the process or principle by which powers or responsibilities are transferred from a central government to regional or local authorities. This is a core concept in the study of federalism and decentralization. It describes the movement of authority downwards within a political system. The term is often used in the context of states that have undergone significant constitutional reforms to grant more autonomy to constituent units.

The extent and nature of devolutivité can vary widely. In some cases, it may involve the transfer of legislative, executive, or judicial powers. In others, it might be limited to administrative functions or specific policy areas such as education, healthcare, or transportation. The motivations behind devolutivité can include a desire to improve governance by bringing decision-making closer to the people, to accommodate regional identities and aspirations, or to enhance democratic participation.

Devolutivité is distinct from federalism, though often related. Federal systems inherently involve a division of powers between central and regional governments, which can be seen as a form of structured devolutivité established at the outset. However, devolutivité can also occur in unitary states through legislative action, creating quasi-federal arrangements or asymmetrical devolution where different regions have varying degrees of autonomy. The success of devolutivité is often debated, with discussions focusing on its impact on national unity, economic development, and the effectiveness of public services.