Devolution refers to the transfer of power from a central government to local authorities. An example is the devolution of certain powers from the UK parliament in Westminster to the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh. Devolution allows for more flexible local governance compared to federalism, which has more restrictions. The process of devolution involves determining if it is needed, gathering public opinion through polls and referendums, and passing legislation detailing what powers will be devolved. Scottish devolution has been discussed for decades, and a referendum in 1999 saw a majority vote for devolution, leading to the creation of the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh which has control over some policy areas but notable exceptions like defense and economic policy remain with Westminster.