A LevelPoliticsEdexcelRevision Notes3a. Comparative Politics: Government & Politics of the USA (Option Unit)3a.1 US Constitution & FederalismComparative Approaches: The US Federal System & UK Devolution

Comparative Approaches: The US Federal System & UK Devolution (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note

Exam code: 9PL0

Sarra Jenkins

Written by: Sarra Jenkins

Reviewed by: Steve Vorster

Updated on

Introducing the comparisons

Examiner Tips and Tricks

In each of the similarities and differences below, a suggestion is given as to which theory might explain this

  • This does not mean this is the ‘right’ answer – in most cases, multiple theories can be used to explain a similarity or difference

  • For Question 1a and 1b, no theories are required – they are only required in Question 2

Comparing the US federal system and UK devolution

US federal system vs UK devolution
US federal system vs UK devolution

Similarities

Similarity

Explanation & example

Theory explanation

Decentralisation of power

  • Both systems give regional governments authority over key policy areas

  • In the US, Texas controls abortion laws post-Dobbs v Jackson (2022)

  • In the UK, the Scottish Parliament controls health and education

  • This could be explained by cultural theory as a response to local identities and traditions

Sub-national bodies can pass laws within defined areas

  • California regulates environmental standards differently from the federal government

  • Wales gained primary legislative powers and a reserved model of devolution in the Wales Act 2017

  • This could be explained by structural theory from the formal allocation of powers

States and devolved administrations both have revenue powers

  • US states levy income and sales taxes

  • Scotland collects income tax to fund at least some of devolved spending

  • This could be explained by rational theory, explaining how governments use these powers to pursue political objectives that ensure the success at a local level

Both systems have courts reviewing regional law

  • US state courts can challenge state legislation for federal constitutionality

  • UK Supreme Court can review Scottish legislation for compliance with human rights law

  • This could be explained by structural theory, showing how legal structures constrain governments

Sub-national governments influence federal/national agendas

  • Texas’ abortion law shapes national debates

  • Scotland’s push for independence impacts UK-wide constitutional discussion

  • This could be explained by rational theory, highlighting a focus on local issues to shape national policy

Differences

Difference

Explanation & example

Theory explanation

Constitutional entrenchment

  • US federalism is constitutionally guaranteed

  • UK devolution is statutory and revocable (Scotland Act 1998)

  • This could be explained by structural theory with a difference in legislative constraints

Legally binding powers

  • US states cannot necessarily be overruled by Congress unless they are acting within their enumerated powers

  • Westminster can amend devolved powers through new legislation

  • This could be explained by structural theory, reflecting institutional rigidity vs flexibility

Representation in central government

  • US states are represented in the Senate, influencing national policy

  • UK devolved nations lack equivalent formal representation

  • This could be explained by cultural theory with state representation being historically rooted whilst the newer devolved parliaments in the UK lack such historic roots

Breadth of powers

  • US states have broader powers, including criminal law

  • Devolved administrations’ powers are more limited and focused on social policy

  • This could be explained by cultural theory, reflecting historical and societal expectations

Role of the Supreme Court

  • US federalism is interpreted by the Supreme Court with final authority

  • UK devolution is subject to political negotiation and statutory interpretation by the Supreme Court

  • This could be explained by structural theory, highlighting the different legal frameworks in each constitution

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Author
Reviewer
Sarra Jenkins

Author: Sarra Jenkins

Expertise: Content Writer

Sarra is a highly experienced A-Level Politics educator with over two decades of teaching and examining experience. She was part of the team that wrote the Edexcel 2017 Politics Specification and currently works as a Senior Examiner. A published author of 14 textbooks and revision guides, her expertise lies in UK and US politics, exam skills, and career guidance. She continues to teach, driven by her passion for this "evolving and dynamic subject".

Steve Vorster

Reviewer: Steve Vorster

Expertise: Economics & Business Subject Lead

Steve has taught A Level, GCSE, IGCSE Business and Economics - as well as IBDP Economics and Business Management. He is an IBDP Examiner and IGCSE textbook author. His students regularly achieve 90-100% in their final exams. Steve has been the Assistant Head of Sixth Form for a school in Devon, and Head of Economics at the world's largest International school in Singapore. He loves to create resources which speed up student learning and are easily accessible by all.