Chapter 5 - Devolution - final Flashcards
What is devolution?
The process of delegating power - but not sovereignty - from the UK Parliament to specific regions of the country.
What is the difference between UK and US devolution?
In the US devolution is federal and is entrenched by a codified constitution. Devolution cannot be changed in the US without first amending the constitution.
Why might devolution in the UK be described as entrenched, even though we have no codified constitution and the UK parliament retains all sovereignty?
Because devolution due to referendums, and the voice of the people effectively entrenches devolution. The only way power would be returned to Westminster is by another referendum approving it to happen.
What do some call devolution in the UK?
Quasi-federalism
Other than the lack of entrenchment, what else makes UK devolution different from federalism?
Asymmetric devolution. In a federal system (the US for example), each regional government is granted equal powers. This is not the case in the UK.
In a federal system, where do powers not granted under the constitution reside?
With the regional governments.
In a system of devolution, where do powers not specified in the devolution settlement reside?
With the central government.
What are the 3 categories of devolved powers?
- Legislative powers.
- Administrative powers.
- Financial powers.
In what category of devolution does Scotland have more power than Northern Ireland?
Financial devolution.
What sort of devolution does Wales have?
Administrative devolution, but not legislative or financial devolution.
What is EVEL?
English Votes for English Laws.
What problem did EVEL address?
The West Lothian Question.
What was the West Lothian Question?
When Scottish MPs were voting on issues that only affected England and/or Wales.
When was a referendum held to gauge support for Scottish devolution?
1997
What were the results of the 1997 Scottish devolution referendum?
74% voted in favour on a 60% trunout.
When was the first Scotland Act passed and what did it do?
1998; created the Scottish Parliament that was elected in 1999.
Give 3 devolved powers granted to the new Scottish Parliament in 1999?
- Healthcare.
- Policing.
- Power to vary the rate of income tax by 3% either way.
When was a referendum on full Scottish independence held?
2014
When was the second Scotland Act?
2016
Give 2 powers that the second Scotland Act devolved to the Scottish Parliament?
- Housing.
- Regulation of the energy industry.
What was the result of the referendum on Welsh devolution in 1997?
50.5 - 49.5 in favour on a 50% turnout.
When was the first Government of Wales Act passed?
1998
What did the Government of Wales Act do?
Set up a Welsh National Assembly with only administrative devolution; they had no financial or legislative powers.
Give 3 areas the Welsh Assembly has control over?
- Health
- Education
- Public transport
