Abstract
Devolution is "a form of subsidiary passing power back to the people " ; " it is the transfer to a subordinate elected body , on a geographical basis, of functions at present being exercised by Ministers and Parliament." ("Definitely British, Absolutely American!", Ellipses 2001). To understand better why the United Kingdom needed such a reform, we first need to explain how the United Kingdom was formed, which is interesting and not very well-known. We'll then make here a brief historical account of the formation of this Union, which is, still today, a sovereign state. Scotland resisted longer than the others to English rule. But at the end of the fifteenth century, their catholic queen, Mary I, is forced to abdicate after the Scottish reformation. 1603 : Her son, James VI succeeded his cousin Elizabeth I and then assumed the title of James I of England. It is the beginning of the reign of the Stuart family of "Great Britain". It's also the beginning of the Union of the Crowns, even if 2 separate parliaments remained. Yet, strong religious and political differences still divided the kingdom.
