The decentralization of power toward subnational units of government from the national level is known as what?

• A. Unitary system
• B. Devolution
• C. Confederation
• D. Federalism

Answer: (B)

Devolution is the transfer of authority from the national government to regional or local governments, allowing subnational units to govern certain areas while the central government retains ultimate sovereignty. This typically occurs in unitary states and can cover areas like education or transportation, giving local authorities more decision-making power. It differs from federalism, where powers are constitutionally divided and both levels have guaranteed autonomy; it also differs from a confederation, where subnational units hold most sovereignty and the central authority is weak. A strictly unitary system concentrates most power at the center, even if it delegates some tasks administratively.