📰| 7. Role of an MSP Flashcards
1
Q
Work of MSPs in Constituencies / Regions
A
- Surgeries
- Attending Local Events / Gatherings
- Fact Finding Visits
2
Q
Work of MSPs in Parliament
A
- Vote on New Legislation
- Questioning the First Minister
- Serve on Committees
3
Q
Work of MSPs (constituency / region)
Surgeries
A
- One aspect of work carried out by MSPs in their constituencies and regions is running surgeries.
- Consituents can visit MSPs in their surgery to raise issues, concerns and questions, which can be passed on to a relevant cabinet secretary or parliament.
- For example, MSP Graeme Dey offers several surgery times for his constituents in Angus South.
4
Q
Work of MSPs (constituency / region)
Attending Local Events / Gatherings
A
- One aspect of work carried out by MSPs in their constituencies and regions is attending local events and gatherings.
- By attending local events and gatherings, MSPs are able to get to know their areas better and maintain a high profile among constituents.
- For example, in July 2023 MSP Graeme Dey attended the opening of the Carnoustie Banking Hub within his constituency.
5
Q
Work of MSPs (constituency / region)
Fact Finding Visits
A
- One aspect of work carried out by MSPs in their constituencies and regions is fact finding visits.
- During fact finding visits, MSPs are able to investigate their areas and find out what issues effect their constituents - this is often done on behalf of a committee focusing on a specific issue.
- For example, In 2019 members of the justice committee spent a day with Scottish Borders police officers to find out about the crime and justice within the area.
6
Q
Work of MSPs (Scottish Parliament)
Vote on New Legislation
A
- One aspect of MSPs work in the Scottish Parliament is voting on new legislation.
- Before a bill becomes a law it must receive a majority vote from MSPs, who will vote on behalf of their constituencies and regions.
- For example, in 2022 MSPs voted on the Budget (Scotland) Bill, which received a majority of votes and became an act in March of that year.
7
Q
Work of MSPs (Scottish Parliament)
Questioning First Minister
A
- One aspect of work for MSPs in the Scottish Parliament is questioning the First Minister.
- Every Thursday at noon, the First Ministers Questions is hosted which gives MSPs the chance to ask challenging questions on behalf of constituents or their party.
- For example, during a First Ministers Questions session in December 2023, MSP Douglas Ross challenged First Minister Humza Yousaf regarding Scotland’s declining performance in education.
8
Q
Work of MSPs (Scottish Parliament)
Serving on Committees
A
- One aspect of MSPs work in the Scottish Parliament is serving on committees.
- MSPs from various parties can serve in committees, which research and scrutinise the governments work on a chosen issue.
- For example, a current committee within the Scottish Parliament is the criminal justice Committee, with members such as Audrey Nicoll (SNP) and Katy Clark (Labour).
