1.3 Devolution Flashcards
What does devolution mean?
The temporary division of power away from the centre of the state among regions of the country
What is quasi federalism?
A system where devolved power is near impossible to be returned to the centre, even though in constitution terms, it is not a federal system
What is asymmetric devolution?
A type of devolution where various regions have been granted unequal power
Is sovereignty divided up through devotion in a unitary country?
No
What were the plans for devolution to regions of England?
Deputy PM John Prescott, wanted to devolve powers similar to Wales to regions of England, he wanted administrative powers to he devolved but not financial or legislative.
Why didn’t Prescotts plans for devolution go ahead?
The North East strongly voted against devolution with 78% against the idea
What was the English Votes for English Laws (EVEL)?
A system that addressed the West Lothian question
What was the West Lothian question?
The issue whereby Scottish MPs representing Scottish Constituencies could vote for matters that only affected England and Wales. This included health, education and criminal law.
What, in practice, did the EVEL do?
The Commons Speaker would declare that the parliamentary vote only concerns England, therefore Scottish MPs should not take part.
Why was devolution to Scotland urgent?
Nationalism in Scotland was popular
What did the Scotland Act 1998 entail?
Power over
- health
- education
- roads and public transport
- criminal and civic law
- power to vary income tax by 3%
What was the 1997 Scottish Devolution Referendum result?
74% in favour
26% against
60% turnout
What electoral system was used for Scotland?
Additional Member System
Why did the Scotland Act of 2016 happen?
To stem the nationalist ideologies following the Independence referendum in 2014
What did the Scotland Act 2016 entail?
- widened areas Scottish Parliament could pass laws
- power of regulation of energy
- control over welfare services
- complete control over income tax
- control over some business taxes
What even fuelled Scottish Independence further and why?
Brexit, a large majority of Scots wanted to remain inside the EU
What was the result of the Welsh Devolution Referendum?
50.5% for
49.5% against
50% turnout
What did the Government of Wales Act 1998 entail?
The Act set up an elected Welsh National Assembly giving administrative powers such as:
- health
- education
- public transport
What did the Government of Wales Act 2014 entail?
- partial control over income tax
- some control over business tax
- powers to borrow money for investment projects
Why was devolved powers given to Northern Ireland?
Years of conflict between the Protestant and Catholic’s (Ms Devey’s fav thing), made it imperative for NI to control their policing and justice system
What did the Good Friday Agreement 1998 entail?
- control of passage of laws not reserved from Westminster
- education
- healthcare
- policing
- public transport
What electoral system does Wales use?
Supplementary Vote System (similar to AMS)
What electoral system does Northern Ireland use?
Proportional Representation
Why was PR used in Northern Ireland?
So all sections of society would be represented in Stormont, reducing the chance on conflict
What evidence emphasises the U.K. is not a federal system?
The Northern Irish Assembly was dissolved between 2002 and 2007 following conflict between the two communities
What difference has Devolution made to Scotland compared to England?
- dominant party is the SNP
- personal care for elderly is free
- no university tuition fees
What difference has Devolution made to Wales compared to England?
- no school league tables are published
- free prescriptions to under 25s
- greater help for the homeless
What difference has Devolution made to Northern Ireland compared to England?
- greater restrictions on abortion
- large proportion of schools are based on Catholicism or Protestantism
Reasons for why devolution has been successful?
- UK has not broken up (yet)
- peace has been held in NI
- no serious proposals have been made to reverse it
Reasons for why devolution has been unsuccessful?
- Scottish Nationalism is endangering the UK
- turnout in elections has been low, suggesting politics apathy
- introduction of PR has inhibited a decisive government
