federalism vs devolution a level politics essay

Federalism in A Level Politics: A Comparison to Devolution

Federalism and devolution are two distinct systems of governance that have been adopted by the United States and the United Kingdom, respectively. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of federalism in A Level Politics, outline its features, benefits, and drawbacks, and make a comparison to the British system of devolution.

What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and regional or state governments. In the United States, it is a fundamental principle enshrined in the Constitution.

Under the US federal system, powers are divided between the federal (central) government and state governments. The federal government is responsible for national defence, foreign policy, and regulating interstate commerce. In contrast, state governments have authority over policy areas like education, healthcare, and transportation. This means that policy and priorities vary between states.

Features of Federalism

There are several key features of federalism in US politics:

• Dual Sovereignty:  Federalism establishes dual sovereignty, meaning that both the federal government and state governments have their own separate powers and responsibilities, as we’ve previously discussed.
•   Shared Powers:  The system involves the sharing of powers between the federal government and state governments. Some powers are exclusive to the federal government, some are exclusive to the states, and others are shared.
•   Supremacy Clause:  The Supremacy Clause in the US Constitution establishes that federal law is the supreme law of the land, meaning that state laws cannot conflict with federal laws.

Benefits of Federalism

Federalism offers several benefits in US politics:

• Flexibility:  The system allows for flexibility in governance, as different states can experiment with different policies and approaches to address the needs of their residents. They can also prioritise some policy areas depending on what is important to their citizens.
•   Checks and Balances:  There is a system of checks and balances, as power is divided between the federal government and state governments. This helps prevent the concentration of power in a single authority. State governments must also approve amendments to the Constitution, meaning the federal government cannot simply push through amendments.
•   Local Representation:  Federalism ensures that regional interests and concerns are represented, as state governments have the authority to make decisions that are specific to their jurisdictions.

Drawbacks of Federalism

While federalism has its benefits, it also has some drawbacks:

• Inconsistency:  The division of powers between the federal government and state governments can lead to inconsistencies in policies and regulations across different states.
•   Coordination Challenges:  Coordinating actions and policies between the federal government and state governments can be challenging, particularly in times of crisis or when addressing national issues.
•   Power Struggles:  The system can sometimes lead to power struggles between the federal government and state governments, as each seeks to assert its authority.

Comparison to Devolution in the UK

While federalism is the system of governance in the United States, the United Kingdom has a system of devolution. Devolution is the transfer of powers from a central authority to regional or local governments. In the UK, this occurred in the late 1990s, with power devolved to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of England.

Unlike federalism, the UK’s system of devolution does not involve a written constitution or a division of powers between different levels of government. Instead, devolution is based on legislation and agreements between the central government and regional governments. This means that devolution in the UK can technically be ended with a simple Act of Parliament.

Devolution in the UK has allowed for the establishment of regional parliaments and assemblies in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of England. Each of these legislatures and governments has differing levels of power. This is different to the American system in which each state is treated as equal.

Federalism in US politics is a system of governance that divides powers between the federal government and state governments. While it offers benefits such as flexibility and checks and balances, it also has drawbacks such as inconsistency and coordination challenges. In comparison, the UK’s system of devolution transfers powers from the central government to regional governments. Both systems have their own unique features and implications for governance and allow for regional voices to be heard.

Our USA Politics course has a range of resources on topics including federalism and the Constitution. Sign up now to master USA politics for A Level Politics.

Table of Contents

• In the News

Join Study Politics Now

Access more useful study resources for A-level Politics with a Study Politics membership.

Skip to content

Get Revising

Join get revising, already a member.

Federalism and devolution comparison

• Created by: Florencepoppy7
• Created on: 17-02-22 13:24
• Government & Politics
• Comparative politics

No comments have yet been made

Similar Government & Politics resources:

UK/US FEDERALISM COMPARISON 5.0 / 5 based on 2 ratings

The US constituion 0.0 / 5

The US Constitution 4.0 / 5 based on 4 ratings

Paper 2 UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas 0.0 / 5

Federalism v. Devolution 0.0 / 5

Political Parties UK Notes 0.0 / 5

Assess the different types of federalism that have been in the USA since the constitution was ratified. (30 marks) 0.0 / 5

USA 0.0 / 5

The US Constitution: key terms 0.0 / 5

Key Principles of the US Constitution 5.0 / 5 based on 1 rating

• TOP CATEGORIES
• AS and A Level
• University Degree
• International Baccalaureate
• Uncategorised
• 5 Star Essays
• Study Tools
• Study Guides
• Meet the Team
• United States

Federalism vs. Devolution

ÐÏࡱá>þÿ        þÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿýÿÿÿþÿÿÿþÿÿÿ        

þÿÿÿþÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿRoot Entryÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ²Z¤

žÑ¤ÀO¹2ºLFïKÊÀCONTENTSÿÿÿÿ

8CompObjÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿVSPELLINGÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿþÿÿÿþÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿment was growing more and more powerful, sometimes at the expense of the states. Democratic presidents such as Franklin Roosevelt and  The New Deal , Truman and  The Fair Deal , Kennedy and  The New Frontier  and Johnson s  The Great Society  were strongly associated with this and the creation of the USA as a great world power. The era of  Neo Federalism  was categorised by a massive swing in the opposite direction to cooperative federalism directly after it had ended. Most possible powers were devolved to the state levels, and this was associated with Republican presidents such as Nixon, Reagan and Bush Senior - but was partially adopted by Clinton in the 1990 s. Some political commentators have suggested the dawn of a fourth phase of federalism in the path of President Elect Barack Obama; a power surge back in the direction of the federal government. In the case of the UK, the history of the Unitary State is almost as complicated. The United Kingdom was formed when it invaded Wales and a treaty was created between England and Scotland. The issue over Northern Ireland begun, and parts of the country opted into the UK. The initial idea of the unitary state was to preserve parliamentary sovereignty, whereby the parliament is the highest decision making power in the country and nothing can challenge it or affect it permanently. However, giving power to devolved assemblies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales has undermined this; New Labour pledged to hold referendums on devolved assemblies in Scotland and Wales. In Wales the vote was only very  narrowly passed as a  yes , so the Welsh have minor powers on controlling education, housing and councils. It is key to note that they do not have power to substantially alter taxes, making it a very weak devolved asseCHNKWKS

This is a preview of the whole essay

ÿÿÿÿTEXTTEXTV/FDPPFDPP2FDPCFDPC4STSHSTSH6STSHSTSH6VSYIDSYIDt6SGP SGP ˆ6INK INK Œ6BTEPPLC �6BTECPLC ¨6FONTFONTÀ6^STRSPLC 7:FRAMFRAMX7ˆDOP DOP à7 Devolution of power has brought the UK closer to the Federal system of government found in the USA  Assess the accuracy of this statement When comparing the systems of government in the UK and USA, the two key types are the  unitary state  and  federalism . The current system in the UK is a unitary state, whereby power is centralised and fused. Sub national and regional assemblies do exist in this unitary state, but the powers given to them can be taken away at the government s discretion. The USA has a federal system, where the power is divided between a central government and then 50 further state governments. An interesting aspect of federalism in the US is the issue of  implied powers ; powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution given to the federal government are left to the state to be decided upon, such as drinking ages and so forth. The history of these to governmental systems are key in understanding how they are structured and enforced. In the case of the USA, the Founding Fathers were fearful of a tyrannical ruler living and dictating from the centre of a strong government; the constitutional compromise of federalism resulted in the government being strong enough to resist attack. Other gradual changes that led to federalism were things such as the growth in population and westward expansion across the continent. Furthermore, improvements in communication and key issues being foreign policy and world power became more central when forming the government. Federalism in the US itself has evolved over time, beginning with Dual Federalism (roughly 1780 s to 1920 s) whereby the power between the state and federal governments was equal and balanced. Following this was Cooperative Federalism, running until the 1960 s, a time when the federal governmbly. However, there was a strong majority for  yes  in the Scottish referendum, giving their assembly a far greater mandate and control over some of their taxes. In 1998 Northern Ireland voted in favour of having their own assembly and The Good Friday Agreement was signed, and it was agreed that power should be shared between the Unionists and the Republicans. One of the factors in the agreement was that the Irish Republican Army were to decommission all weapons, but when it was found that this had not been done the agreement was suspended and the devolved power was taken away. The fundamental point of this, and a key strength of the Unitary State is that despite the issue of the system becoming more federal, the power issued by the central government to devolved assemblies can be taken away, unlike state and federal relationships. There are several negative consequences with federalism, beginning with the massive variation there can be in state laws, over key issues such as crime and punishment, drinking ages and marriage laws. Secondly, it creates a complex legal system, with both national and state courts each with their own agenda. Furthermore, each state has its own constitutions and tax systems. All elections held in the US are state based, and subjected to state laws making the parties state based and have massive regional diversities. The consequences of the devolved assemblies in the UK is varying; it would appear at first that federalism was creeping into the UK in the assemblies but the example of the suspension of The Good Friday Agreement reminds of how strong a power the centralised government holds. However, the European Parliament does detract from the unitary state s parliamentary sovereignty, as European law is higher than any other law in Europe. The statement claiming that the devolution of power in the UK has brought it closer to US style federalism could be considered accurate when considering the powers that Scottish and Welsh assemblies have, striking similarities to the state and national power sharing in America. Furthermore, it could also be considered accurate when the European Parliament is taken into account, as the power that this has is greater than that of the central government in the UK. However, the unitary state means that the central government still has the power to take away devolved powers at its discretion, reducing the accuracy of the statement saying it is becoming more federal. an Army were to decommission all weapons, but when it was found that this had not bee¼¾

œ$ž$

,,L1N1P1R1T1V1ôôôìììììììììè¼”¼”(2‚"'(Š %<( KxP        ,12‚"'(Š  Û) @·S        1

µ$TSHÿÿÿÿBµ$TSH:.

"Fÿÿÿ"ëª"‡Äš" ’S"wy"ð`        "ð`""A."@ÿÿÿ"ëª"ðù" ’S"wy"ð`        "ð`".""Ks"§#£"gi"gi

cþÿ

ÿÿÿÿ²Z¤

žÑ¤ÀO¹2ºQuill96 Story Group Classÿÿÿÿô9²q

Document Details

• Level AS and A Level
• Subject Politics

Related Essays

Ap government review for federalism, federalism: a form of world government., federalism in the united states., federalism essay.

Devolved Bodies in the UK

Scotland: The Scottish Parliament and Government have primary legislative powers over several areas. These include education, health, environment, law and order, and local government. It does not control foreign affairs, defence or the constitution- these are known as ‘excepted powers’. The Scottish Parliament also has tax-varying powers- income tax can be raised or lowered by up to three pence in the pound. The Parliament has powers over all areas not specified as excepted powers.

Wales: The Welsh Assembly and Government has primary legislative powers over a more limited range of areas than Scotland. These include education, health, social services environment, and local government. They do not have power over law and order, foreign affairs, defence or the constitution which, as in the case of the Scottish Parliament, are ‘excepted powers’. The Assembly has no tax-varying powers and does not have power over areas not specifically excepted, only those specifically devolved (unlike Scotland).

Northern Ireland: The Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive have primary legislative powers over a similar range of areas to Wales, also including justice. Foreign affairs, defence and the constitution are ‘excepted powers’ which the Assembly does not control. The Assembly also has reserved powers over some areas which may be transferred in the future including some consumer, medical and transport matters, but has no tax-varying powers. The Assembly has power over all areas not specifically excepted or reserved. As part of the power-sharing agreement, powers must be shared between parties, according to a formula that allocates cabinet seats proportionately.

Devolution in England

The ‘West Lothian question’ was recognised as a consequence of devolution by the former MP for West Lothian, Tam Dalyell. It is the issue that England constituency MPs cannot vote on many matters affecting Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, however, Westminster MPs from these regions can vote on matters which potentially only affect England. This has been partially addressed by the change to the passing of legislation. Following a second reading, a bill which involves England only can be vetoed and make no further progress if a majority of MPs representing English constituencies decide to. Also, an extended range of powers is being devolved to a range of city-regions based on major cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol, often led by a directly-elected Mayor. For example, Labour’s Andy Burnham was the first elected Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017. This change has had the effect of strengthening the powers of regional governments of the UK.

Debates Around Devolution

Arguments in favour of extending devolution include:

• Devolution has been successful and is now accepted by the vast majority of people in those regions
• It would further address the problem of over-centralisation of power in the UK Parliament
• There are strong regional identities in areas such as Cornwall, which may be well-served by having power devolved to them
• It addresses the ‘West Lothian question’
• It may make the break-up of the UK less likely- regions such as Scotland will be given more control over their own affairs so may be less inclined to wish to achieve full independence
• Currently, under the Barnett formula, England receives less funding from UK taxes per capita than other UK regions. This could be addressed by having a devolved English Parliament

Arguments against extending devolution include:

• Power may end up being too fragmented, leading to possible differences in legislation in different areas and confusion over how laws differ in the different UK regions
• If an English Parliament was introduced, the role and significance of the UK Parliament would be much reduced, leading to questions over the location of sovereignty
• The proposal of ‘English votes for English laws’ may solve the West Lothian question without the need for an English Parliament
• There is little public appetite for an English Parliament, demonstrated by a strong no vote for a proposed North East Assembly
• There may be arguments over which regions would get a devolved assembly, and which wouldn’t- in some area of the UK there is a weaker regional identity than others
• Giving regional governments more powers may actually accelerate demands for independence- if these regions are effectively controlling all of their legislation, they may wish to become formally separate to reflect this. The demands of the SNP for Scottish independence have not been dimmed by the creation of, and accumulation of powers of the Scottish Parliament

Impact of Devolution on the UK

Some significant changes have taken place as a result of the devolution of power to regional governments. For example, in Scotland, Scottish university students attending a Scottish university do not have to pay tuition fees, whereas they do in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Also in Scotland, there has been higher pay levels for teachers. The Welsh Assembly has introduced initiatives in childcare and has abolished prescription charges. Some commentators have described devolution as ‘quasi-federalism’, whereby the UK now has many of the features of a federal system (where there is a division between central and regional governments).

Devolution is certainly very-well established in the UK. This is perhaps because the devolved bodies were established through referendums (so had democratic legitimacy), the introduction of these bodies fuelled demands for more powers to be transferred to them, the rise in popularity of the SNP, the alliance of pressure groups and interests to the devolved bodies, and the gradual transfer of more powers to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly following the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

The Politics Shed- A Free Text Book for all students of Politics.

The Impact of Devolution  

Devolution and the Pandemic  

Developments in devolution  

Devolution is a process of delegating power, but not sovereignty, from the UK Parliament to specific regions of the country. This is power which can be returned to Parliament through a constitutional statute. Therefore it is a transfer of power without eroding the sovereignty of Parliament.

Has devolution been a success?  

Devolution in England

Devolution in Scotland

Devolution in Wales

Devolution in N Ireland

The Impact of the Human Rights Act  

What is Devolution?

A  difference between devolution in the UK and federalism in the USA is asymmetry. In a federal system, each regional government is granted equal powers. In the UK’s system, this is not the case. The UK has what is known as asymmetric devolution .

Devolution is the transfer of power from central government to subordinate regional institutions (to ‘devolve’ means to pass powers or duties down from a higher authority to a lower one). Devolved bodies therefore constitute an intermediate tier of government between central and local government . Devolution differs from federalism in that, although their territorial jurisdictions may be similar, devolved bodies have no share in sovereignty. Their responsibilities and powers are determined by the centre, which can, in theory at least, abolish them. Devolution nevertheless comes in different forms: 

• Administrative devolution allows regional institutions to implement policies decided elsewhere

 • Legislative devolution (sometimes called ‘home rule’) operates through elected regional assemblies that are invested with policy- making responsibilities and, usually, have some tax raising powers.

  The first elections for the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales (usually known as the Welsh Assembly) were held in 1999, following successful referendums in 1997. The Northern Ireland Assembly came into existence in 1998, as a consequence of the Belfast Agreement (also known as the Good Friday Agreement). Although highly controversial in its initial stage–the Conservatives strongly opposed Scottish and Welsh devolution, and the Welsh devolution referendum was won by a margin of less than 1 per cent of the vote – devolution has quickly become a popular and established feature of UK politics. The proportion of voters in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who want to return to direct rule from Westminster has consistently fallen, and all major UK parties now support devolution. 

Devolution in the UK 

 It is the transfer of powers but not sovereignty to the three national regions of the UK.

Originally the funding for devolved services came from a central government annual grant, but increasingly the devolved governments have gained independent control over taxes raised in their countries.

 The size of the devolution grants has been calculated using the ‘Barnett formula’, which takes account of the fact that the three countries have greater needs than England.

 It is asymmetric, meaning that the three regions have not been granted the same powers.

 The devolved administrations each have an elected assembly (parliament in Scotland and Wales) and an executive, or government, which is drawn from the assembly.

 The method of election of the assemblies is not first-past-the-post but by forms of proportional representation.

 In general, devolution has been entrenched by referendums.

 The UK Parliament has the option of bringing back the powers to Westminster and has suspended devolved government in Northern Ireland several times.

Has devolution made a difference? 

To what extent has public policy in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland diverged from the rest of the UK as a result of devolution? Some significant changes have undoubtedly taken place, particularly in Scotland. These include the abolition of upfront tuition fees for university students, the reintroduction of free long-term care for the elderly and higher teachers’ pay. Local government elections have also been changed with the introduction of the proportional single transferable vote (STV) voting system. The Welsh Assembly has pioneered new initiatives in childcare and early years policies, and has abolished prescription charges. It has also reorganised the NHS to bring it in line with local government boundaries in Wales. The impact of devolution in Northern Ireland was limited by the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly between 2002 and 2007 (following a number of earlier, shorter suspensions between 1999 and 2002). However, the restoration of power-sharing between the DUP and Sinn Féin is likely to provide the basis for the development, over time, of a distinctive approach to domestic policy.