AGS essay

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

There are many different arguments to how and why an alternative would and if it should happen. Different parties have produced different approaches some that allow a referendum and some that don’t. In this essay I will discuss the approach’s and and analyse whether they would be better or worse for Scotland.

Question 2

Point 1 for Paragraph 1

Answer 2

One approach to alternative governance for Scotland is the nationalist approach.

Question 3

Explain 1 for Paragraph 1

Answer 3

With the nationalist approach Scotland would have independence from the UK. This is supported by both the SNP and the Scottish greens who believe that Scotland is trapped in an unequal union with the UK. They argue that Scotland is being held back and that independence would allow Scotland to move forward and overall be more successful. With independence Scotland would be able focus and tackle issues that are more specific to Scotland. Scotland with independence would have true power on how the country is run and would be able to vote without being overpowered by the majority that other countries have over them.

Question 4

Example 1 for Paragraph 1

Answer 4

For example, in Scotland 62% of Scot’s voted against Brexit, however England’s vast amount of people overpowered them and allowed to Brexit to go forward.

Question 5

Analysis 1 for Paragraph 1

Answer 5

This shows that without independence Scotland is almost completely powerless when it comes to wider UK elections and referendums, if Scotland was independent it would have the power to actually control what the country does.

Question 6

Point 2 for Paragraph 1

Answer 6

However, if Scotland was to become independent the country would be thrown into massive amounts of debt.

Question 7

Explain 2 for Paragraph 1

Answer 7

The costs of setting up a new county and government would be great and would put the country into huge amounts of debt that would take years to recover from. The people would also be greatly affected by this.

Question 8

Example 2 for Paragraph 1

Answer 8

For example, an independent Scotland could start off with £180 billion of debt.

Question 9

Analysis 2 for Paragraph 1

Answer 9

This cost could be too much for the country to handle and not just affect the government but the citizens of Scotland. Therefore, independence and the nationalist approach may not be the best idea as the cost of it and the way it would it affect others is too great and would push the country into a position it may not be able to handle.

Question 10

Evaluation for Paragraph 1

Answer 10

Overall, the nationalist approach on paper would benefit the country greatly but it would have negative impacts that would force the country into a difficult position. If the issue of money could be sorted out independence could be one of the best alternatives for governance.

Question 11

Point 1 for Paragraph 2

Answer 11

Another approach to alternative governance for Scotland is the labor approach.

Question 12

Explain 1 for Paragraph 2

Answer 12

This approach would reform Westminster to give Scotland more power but not full independence. They aim to reform how the government work at the overall UK level to reform how it works nationally and regionally.

Question 13

Example 1 for Paragraph 2

Answer 13

For example, this approach would give Scotland an equal relationship with Westminster.

Question 14

Analysis 1 for Paragraph 2

Answer 14

This equal relationship would allow Scotland more power in Westminster and would benefit Scotland by allowing the country a larger and more powerful voice in politics.

Question 15

Point 2 for Paragraph 2

Answer 15

However, this approach doesn’t actually give Scotland any more power.

Question 16

Explain 2 for Paragraph 2

Answer 16

This means the approach wouldn’t give Scotland any more devolved powers like immigration or military. Meaning Scotland would in reality have relatively the same amount of power as it did before any changes were put in place.

Question 17

Example 2 for Paragraph 2

Answer 17

For example, Scotland would continue to have no power over immigration a reserved power.

Question 18

Analysis 2 for Paragraph 2

Answer 18

This shows that Scotland, through this approach, would continue to very little power and would not realistically gain anything from the approach. Meaning that this approach would not do very much to help or empower Scotland.

Question 19

Evaluation for Paragraph 2

Answer 19

Overall, this approach would try to give Scotland power but would ultimately fail and not actually give Scotland anymore than it originally had.

Question 20

Point 1 for Paragraph 3

Answer 20

Another approach to alternative governance for Scotland is the conservative approach.

Question 21

Explain 1 for Paragraph 3

Answer 21

The conservative approach argues that Scotland already has all the power that it needs to run effectively but the current government prevents it from doing so. If the government was better than current SNP things would improve. They would say that Scotland benefits a lot from its membership in the UK and should therefore stay a part of it.

Question 22

Example 1 for Paragraph 3

Answer 22

For example, if the two governments worked together they could the resources of the whole UK to benefit Scotland.

Question 23

Analysis 1 for Paragraph 3

Answer 23

This shows that the current relationship and membership with the UK does benefit Scotland. Therefore, the Scotland doesn’t need to make any changes to its current setup other than changing the government in order to fully take advantage of UK relationship.

Question 24

Point 2 for Paragraph 3

Answer 24

However, this limits the ability of Scotland to take different approaches in reserved powers.

Question 25

Explain 2 for Paragraph 3

Answer 25

This means that the current setup restricts the Scottish Parliament in what approach to take. They can only follow the UK government’s approach on certain reserved issues like immigration and the military.

Question 26

Example 2 for Paragraph 3

Answer 26

For example, if the government decides to send military into Ukraine, as they have done in the past, the Scottish government has no choice but to allow this.

Question 27

Analysis 2 for Paragraph 3

Answer 27

This shows that with this approach the Scottish government still has not very much power.

Question 28

Evaluation for Paragraph 3

Answer 28

If the conservatives were to enact this approach the Scottish government would still face the same issues that lead them into wanting to leave.

Question 29

Conclusion

Answer 29

In conclusion there have been many different approaches in alternative governance for Scotland each with their own advantages and disadvantages.