Which statement best describes devolution and its effect on sovereignty?

• A. Devolution transfers powers to subnational governments while preserving the state's sovereignty; example: Scotland has its own parliament and powers over internal matters.
• B. Devolution dissolves the national government into autonomous regions permanently.
• C. Devolution eliminates the subnational governments.
• D. Devolution changes the constitution to federal system with full sovereignty transfer.

Answer: (B)

Devolution is when a unitary state hands over authority for certain policies to regional or subnational governments, while the national government keeps ultimate sovereignty. This arrangement allows regional bodies to make laws and run programs in defined areas, but they do not become independent sovereign states and the central government can redefine or reclaim powers if needed. The example of Scotland having its own parliament with powers over internal matters like education and health shows this setup in practice, illustrating how regional rule can function without dissolving the national government or creating a fully sovereign federal system. The other descriptions imply dissolving the central government, eliminating subnational governments, or transferring full sovereignty to regions, which isn’t what devolution entails.