Alternative Forms Of Governance For Scotland Flashcards
What is the Conservative approach to Scottish governance?
The Conservative approach argues that Scotland has all the powers it needs and would run more effectively with a better government than the SNP. They believe Scotland benefits from being part of the UK.
What is the Nationalist approach to Scottish governance?
The Nationalist approach, supported by the SNP and Scottish Greens, argues that Scotland lacks the necessary powers to address issues like population decline and drug deaths. Independence would provide these powers, making Scotland wealthier and healthier.
What is the Labour approach to Scottish governance?
The Labour approach recognizes that governance isn’t working for Scotland or the rest of the UK. They propose reforming Westminster to give more power to Scotland and other regions while maintaining current Scottish governance.
What is an effective aspect of Muscular Unionism?
If the two governments worked closely together, they could use the resources of the whole UK to benefit Scotland.
What is an ineffective aspect of Muscular Unionism?
It limits Scotland’s ability to address issues like drug deaths if those solutions are unpopular with the UK government and English voters.
What is an effective aspect of Independence?
Scotland would have full control over its powers, allowing it to try various solutions even if they are unpopular with Westminster.
What is an ineffective aspect of Independence?
Scotland could start with a high level of debt, and the costs of setting up new government departments could be very high.
What is an effective aspect of Westminster Reform?
Scotland benefits from a more equal relationship with Westminster, focusing on whole UK needs rather than just English needs.
What is an ineffective aspect of Westminster Reform?
There are no new powers given to Scotland to take different approaches; Westminster would still be dominated by English interests.
What is the Conservative Approach to the governance of Scotland?
The Conservative party argues there is little case for reform or change to the political governance of Scotland.
What do Conservatives believe about Scotland’s powers?
Many Conservatives feel that Scotland already has all the powers and resources it needs to meet the needs of its people.
What do Conservatives attribute the problems in Scotland to?
They argue that the problem lies with how the people in charge are using the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
How do Conservatives view Scotland’s position in the UK?
They believe that Scotland is in a better place because of its position in the UK.
What example do Conservatives use to support their argument?
Conservative leaders argue that the financial power of being in the UK helped protect jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic through government borrowing for furlough and vaccination schemes.
For example, Rishi Sunak and Douglas Ross have highlighted this point.
What is the implication of the Conservative argument regarding Scotland leaving the UK?
This suggests that Scotland may struggle to fund necessary investments if it were to leave the UK.
How has the Scottish electorate responded to the Conservative approach?
The Scottish electorate has been voting in large numbers for parties proposing further reforms, indicating that the Conservative approach is unpopular.
What did the 2022 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey reveal?
It showed that only 14% of people thought the UK government should have the most influence, with a majority supporting independence over other governance forms.
This suggests that the Conservative status quo approach satisfies only a minimal number of people in Scotland.
What does the Conservative model of muscular unionism offer?
It offers little extra powers to the Scottish people or parliament and enjoys minority support among the electorate.
What is the Nationalist Approach to the governance of Scotland?
The Nationalist view is considered the most radical, advocating for independence to address Scotland’s problems.
What do the SNP and Scottish Greens argue regarding independence?
They argue that only with the powers of independence can Scotland properly address issues like drug laws, immigration, borrowing, and taxation.
What comparisons have the SNP and Scottish Greens published?
They have published documents comparing the UK and Scotland’s position against other European countries like Ireland and Sweden, showing less inequality and better living standards.
What does the Nationalist argument suggest about Scotland’s potential with independence?
It suggests that Scotland could transform the lives of many people with the powers of independence.
What is a major concern regarding Scotland’s independence?
There is uncertainty over how much of the UK’s extremely high debt an independent Scotland would be expected to pay.
The gap in what Scotland raises and what it spends is over £23 billion, which would need to be funded by borrowing.
What are the potential economic risks of Scottish independence?
A significant gap in spending before any repayments could mean that Scotland struggles to have the money it needs for radical approaches desired by nationalists.
