The transfer of certain powers and functions by means of constitutional or legislation process to the lowest levels of government is known as ___ ?

Analyze the question The question asks for the term describing the transfer of powers and functions by constitutional or legislative process to the lowest levels of government.

Explain the concepts

• Delegation: A superior authority assigns specific tasks to a subordinate, but keeps ultimate control. It can be withdrawn at will and is not usually backed by the constitution.
• Devolution: Powers are transferred to lower or local levels of government through the constitution or legislation. The lower levels get legal authority of their own (e.g., local governments in Nigeria).
• Deconcentration: Only administrative duties are spread to field offices of the central government, with no real legal autonomy.
• Decentralisation: A broad umbrella term for spreading power away from the centre. It includes deconcentration, delegation and devolution.

Step-by-step solution

1. Look at the key phrases: "constitutional or legislation process" and "lowest levels of government".
2. A legal or constitutional transfer gives lower governments their own statutory authority. This rules out delegation (revocable, informal) and deconcentration (merely administrative).
3. Decentralisation is the general concept, and the question describes a specific type of it with a legal basis. Devolution is the precise term. 4.

Answer: B. Devolution

Exam tip Remember: "Devolution = Directly by Law." If a question mentions the constitution or legislation giving powers to lower governments, think devolution. If it only mentions spreading administrative work, think deconcentration. If it mentions a boss assigning tasks, think delegation.