In some countries, such as France, practically all important decisions are made in the seat of the national government. In contrast, in Japan and Sweden, powers are shared through delegation or deconcentration to regional and local authorities. The linkages of politics and government to criminal justice can be tight or loose. For example, the idea of an independent judicial system is fundamental to criminal justice in England. The degree of participation in policy-making can be limited and narrow or can include a large number of people.
People can be powerful and participate little.
Their presence is felt and acknowledged and incorporated into policy without them having to do much. Alternatively, one can have much participation in a system without the participants having much power to make decisions. In China, a vast number of people participate, but their power to make decisions is debated. The types of participants varies. In some countries, such as in France, participation is largely restricted to professionals and experts.