Alternative Governance Essay (UK)

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

There are several alternative ways that Scotland could be governed. Some would argue that independence is the most effective because it allows Scotland to have control over powers such as finance and employment. However others would compare that to devo-max or returning to Westminster arguing they are in fact better systems because they allowed Scotland to have control over the important powers that significantly impact Scotland, without having to worry about other powers which are extremely important such as defence and foreign affairs. Ultimately, this response will set out why independence is more effective overall.

Question 2

Independence
Describe

Answer 2

With independence, it is true that there is a budget deficit now, as many small countries become better off after they leave unions with larger countries. This happens because they are able to make better decisions that suit their economy rather than relying on decisions made by larger ‘partners’.

Question 3

Independence
Evidence

Answer 3

For example, in 2022 the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey showed that only 14% of people thought the UK Government should have the most influence while it also showed that a mjority of people in Scotland support independence over any other kind of governance.

Question 4

Independence
Analysis

Answer 4

This shows that the majority in Scotland believe that the country would benefit greatly from being independent as it allows for more freedom in what laws should be passed and how they should spend the country’s finances.

Question 5

Independence - not effective
Describe

Answer 5

However, without the support of the UK Government, Scotland’s financial control and power ceases to exist. Scotland currently spends more than it raises in tax, this is called a fiscal deficit. Scotland would be unable to fill that deficit without the support from the UK.

Question 6

Independence - not effective
Evidence

Answer 6

For example, Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Scottish party leader Douglas Ross have argued that it was because of the financial power of being in the UK that helped protect jobs in the COVID-19 pandemic with the government able to borrow billions cheaply for the furlough and vaccination schemes.

Question 6

Independence - not effective
Analysis

Answer 6

This shows that Scotland would be worse off with independence as it does not make enough money to be able to financially sustain the country and make effective decisions which wouldn’t cause an economic crisis.

Question 7

Independence
Link back

Answer 7

To an extent independence is the most effective method for governance in Scotland because neither independence nor the Union guarantees wealth or poverty but independent countries do tend to grow wealther, even if only after some time. Therefore, there is no economic reason to reject independence proving it to be an effective method.

Question 8

Devo-max
Describe

Answer 8

Devo-max was proposed as a constitutional alternative by which Scotland would be granted full economic independence from the rest of the United Kingdom but would still be subjected to governances by the British Parliament in particular areas such as defence, foreign policy and benefits.

Question 9

Devo-max
Evidence

Answer 9

For example, a poll which came out after the referendum showed that 33% of Scottish adults believed that it was a good ideas to have more power over tax and welfare but not defense or foreign affairs.

Question 10

Devo-max
Analysis

Answer 10

This shows that the public believe that Scotland should have the ability to have control over certain powers such as finance, but shouldn’t be in control of bigger powers which involve other countries as well as the rest of the UK.

Question 11

Devo-max - not effective
Describe

Answer 11

Since the 2014 indyref, the Scotland Act has been amended twice to devolve more powers to Scotland, so they are already in charge of much of their own decisions. However, the UK parliament retains the power to legislate on any matter, even those that are devolved, which prevents Scotland from passing laws that the Scottish Government agree on.

Question 12

Devo-max - not effective
Evidence

Answer 12

For example, in 2023 the UK Government vetoed the Gender Recognition Bill that Scotland had spent several years creating. The Bill attempted to improve young people’s freedom of choice and therefore mental health but despite full backing of the Scottish Government, the UK Government did not agree and it was overturned.

Question 12

Devo-max
Link back

Answer 12

Devo-max is an effective method of governance in Scotland to an extent, as devo-max is such an undefined term, as many people are sceptical of it as an alternative to the governance of Scotland as they are not really sure what it means. As with any political decisions, there are both positives and negatives to devo-max.

Question 13

Devo-max - not effective
Analysis

Answer 13

This shows that even with Scotland having some devolution with their powers, they still do not control or the ability to freely pass laws, even if the Scottish government agrees on passing a law.

Question 14

Return to Westminister
Describe

Answer 14

Scottish voters are able to take part in elections that choose their representatives and the parties that will make decisions that affect their lives. Even if those governments have limited support in Scotland, they try to make decisions that meet Scotland’s needs.

Question 15

Return to Westminister
Evidence

Answer 15

For example, Johnson’s UK Government won only 25% of the vote and 6/59 Scottish seats in 2019 but have promised to prioritise protecting the Scottish fishing industry in the ongoing UK-EU trade negotations.

Question 16

Return to Westminister
Analysis

Answer 16

This shows that if democracy is ruled by the people then the people being able to vote in elections and their government taking decisions for their benfit is a democracy. Therefore, Scotland is one now and doesn’t need independence to become one.

Question 17

Return to Westminister - not effective

Describe

Answer 17

However, returning to westminister does not appeal to the majority of the public in Scotland. As long as Scotland remains in a union with a far larger neighbour, it will run the risk of being outvoted on important issues. This happened over Brexit, which was the most important decision made by the UK since WWII.

Question 18

Return to Westminster - not effective

Evidence

Answer 18

For example, none of the Conservative or Coaltion UK Governments elected in 2010, 2015, 2017 or 2019 had the support of the majority in Scotland.

Question 19

Return to Westminister
Link back

Answer 19

Returning to Westminster is to an extent an effective way to govern Scotland because there is still Scottish representation with the Parliament allowing for Scotland’s views to be acknowledged, which could start positive actions for Scotland. However, returning to Government restricts Scotland’s opinions and the chance of success as there is only a minority in the Parliament who voice their opinions for Scotland, therefore causing a lack of support from Scottish citizens as they do not feel that enough is being done for Scotland.

Question 19

Return to Westminister - not effective

Analysis

Answer 19

This shows that Scotland tends to disagree with the opinion of the UK Government in certain laws or rules that are passed, as well as believe that different topics should have priority over others. This means that Scotland wants independence so they can a say over the passing of laws that they believe in.

Question 20

Conclusion

Answer 20

Devo-max to an extent is effective in governing Scotland because it allows for Scotland to have some control over powers which can solely affect people in Scotland, such as finance and employment. However, since the 2014 indyref, the Scotland Act has been amended twice to devolve more powers to Scotland, so they are already in charge of much of their own decisions, meaning that there is no need for devo-max or independence to need to be established in Scotland. However, the best way to govern Scotland is through independence. This is because it allows for Scotland to have control over what is the best economic or societal decision for their country without having to worry about the UK government overruling their decision if they do not agree. The least effective way to govern Scotland is through returning to Westminster. This is because only a minority of people in Scotland believe this is the best option as it prevents Scotland from holding any power in Parliament and doesn’t allow for laws to be passed which benefits/affect Scotland whereas if there was independence, Scotland would be able to do such. Ultimately, the most effective way to govern Scotland is through independence.