In which political system were there two levels of government with considerable devolution?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which political system has two levels of government with considerable devolution (the sharing or transfer of powers from the centre to other levels).

Step 2: Explain the concept

• Federalism is a system in which power is constitutionally divided between a central (federal) government and regional governments (states, provinces or regions). Each level has its own area of authority, and the powers of the regions are guaranteed by the constitution. Nigeria, the USA, Canada and India are examples.
• Unitarism (Unitary system) has power concentrated in one central government. Local governments may exist, but they get their powers from the centre, which can withdraw them. Examples are Ghana and the UK.
• Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production. It is not a form of government structure.
• Fascism is an authoritarian, dictatorial ideology with a highly centralized government, so it has no real devolution.

Step 3: Solve by elimination

• A. Capitalism: economic system, so it is out.
• C. Fascism: centralized and authoritarian, so it is out.
• D. Unitarism: it has one dominant level of government with little real devolution, so it is out.
• B. Federalism: two main levels of government (central and regional) sharing powers, with considerable devolution. This fits.

Step 4: Answer The correct answer is B. Federalism.

Tip: Remember "Federal = Fragmented power, shared by constitution", while "Unitary = United in one centre". Whenever a Government question mentions two levels of government with constitutionally shared powers, think federalism.