democracy Flashcards
3 options for scotland’s future
DevoMax (maximum devolution)
Independence
Federalism
what is Devo-Max
This option would see the Scottish Parliament granted powers by the UK Parliament for everything except defence and foreign relations.
if Devo-Max were to happen what would happen to the rest of the UK?
Scotland would have keep all taxes raised and would pay the UK for its share of the costs of defence spending, relations with other countries and its share of the UK debt.
This options does not necessarily mean any change to the rest of the UK.
advantages of Devo-Max?
This would give almost all the argued benefits of independence but the benefits of being part of a larger union.
disadvantages of Devo-Max?
Scotland would not be able to decide about going to war or be able to make agreements like re- joining the EU.
what is scottish independence?
this means Scotland leaving the United Kingdom and becoming an independent country.
what does independence mean for scotland? (politically)
This would mean that Scotland would have full responsibility for all the decisions made in Scotland and any agreements it makes with other countries.
what does independence mean for scotland (economically)
Under this model Scotland would keep all of the taxes raised in Scotland while paying for its own defence. It would also have to take on its share of UK debt.
advantages of independence?
This would give Scotland all the power to do as the people choose including following very different policies at home and abroad as the remaining UK.
disadvantages of independence?
Scotland could start of with a very high level of debt and be charged greater interest payments for it compared to what is paid by the UK
what is federalism?
This option would see not just more power for Scotland but also England broken up into smaller more powerful region. Federalism would make the UK more like the USA where the Nations (Scotland, NI & Wales) would be equal to the Regions of England.
Each part would have power over their own affairs and the UK Parliament would just be responsible for defence, foreign affairs, currency and the rules between the Nations and Regions.
disadvantages of federalism?
It could be 10 years before a party supporting this is in charge of the UK Government meaning it doesn’t address todays problems.
advantages of federalism?
This would make all parts of the UK roughly an equal size with equal power meaning Scotland could partner up with the regions of England it is similar too.
example for Devo-Max
For example, in the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, the Scottish Government would have had the powers to bring in a lockdown earlier if it had wanted to.
what effect does Devo-Max have economically?
Devo Max risks making poorer Scotland. Currently Scotland receives more money per head than England and Wales to deal with problems like having an older and more rural population. DevoMax may mean Scotland has to raise more or cut taxes to meet this need.
example of how devo-max makes scotland a poorer country? (stats)
Scotland gets 17% more per person than the UK Average
Example of how Scottish Independence can make scotland a fairer country.
For example, the SNP argue that they would be able to spend almost £200 million more a year on thousands of nurses, police officers, teachers and doctors rather than on nuclear weapons, which is a reserved issue.
why do some argue that status-quo is a better option than independence?
it is better for the UK to stick together. Supporters argue that by the 4 nations working together they are able to tackle many of the issues that they face by pulling together to share financial risks of borrowing and work with the rest of world as a “big player”
example of why it is better for the UK to stay as one
For example, Boris Johnson argued in 2020 that it was because of the financial power of being in the United Kingdom that helped protect jobs in the Covid-19 pandemic with the government able to borrow billions cheaply.
example of how federalism would make the UK a fairer place
For example, during the pandemic Boris Johnson kept making announcements “As Prime Minister of the UK” which applied only to England which caused a lot of confusion.
why may federalism unrealistic?
many will point to the lack of support for Federalism by the people in power in England as a barrier. In the last 20 years the English have rejected efforts to give more power to local regions similar to the powers of Scotland and Wales and its only in 2020 has a Labour Leader openly suggested federalism.
example of how federalism “might help fix the UK”
For example, only in 2020 the new Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer suggested federalism might help fix the UK.
how does law making in Scotland work?
bill is introduced and voted on —> bill scrutinised in committee —> bill approved in chamber —> queen signs into the law
how does law making work in the UK?
Bill is introduced and voted on —> bill is scrutinised in committee —> bill improved in chamber —> bill passed onto 2nd chamber —> 2nd chamber —> bill is introduced and voted on —> bill is scrutinised in committee —> bill approved in chamber —> bill sent back to the first chamber if the 2nd chamber changes until both agree —-> when agreed the queen signs into the law
what is the House of Lords?
the HoL is the second chamber in the UK parliament
what is the role of the House of Lords?
The main role of the HoL is to act as check on the HoC and provide further scrutiny of the Government.
How does the House of Lords preform its role?
It performs this role by debating legislation, looking carefully at bills in committee and making amendments to government bills it feels are important.
what is the effect of making amendments to the House of Lords?
Making amendments to bills forces the government and commons to consider (though they can reject) the bill again.
is being in the House of Lords a position you can be elected into?
the HoL is unelected and the people there have been appointed for their expertise or as a reward for party loyalty. Some are their because the inherited their position.
What is the House of Commons?
The House Of Commons is the primary (main) chamber in the UK Parliament.
what is the role of the House of Commons?
The main role of the HoC is to scrutinise the work of the government
How does the House of Commons preform its role?
It performs this role by questioning the government, reviewing and approving legislation and having investigations in committee.
How does the House of Commons scrutinise the government?
Normally the government can count on a majority of votes in the HoC but the rules mean the “official opposition” (Currently Labour) and other MPs are given time to force the government to explain itself at question time.
is the House of Commons elected?
The HoC is elected. This means the 650 people in parliament have been selected by the people of the UK making this the Democratic Chamber.
why can the lords be more critical to the government than MPs?
the people in the Lords are there for life. this means there is no pressure to act a certain way to keep their job. This make many Lords less loyal to the parties they belong too and more willing to criticise them.
why do some believe that the lords are undemocratic and should be changed?
because there are so many Lords and the majority of the Lords have been appointed by the Prime Minister of the day and so often people are given a peerage (entry to the Lords) because of their loyalty to the party and Prime Minister rather than because of their expertise.
how does the house of lords force the government to defend itself?
The Lords, has the same role and the same tools to scrutinise the government of the day. This means the Lords ask important questions of government minister, hold investigations through committees, make changes to bills and ultimately force the government to defend itself.
example of why the lords are seen as undemocratic?
For example, in 2020, Boris Johnson put his own brother into the House of Lords to join nearly 800 other members.
what are factors? (in terms of voting behaviour)
Factors can influence people or events to act in a certain way. When we are looking at voting behaviour we are looking at the patterns of how people vote and who is more likely to vote at all.
what is the role of the media?
The media have a role to inform the electorate when it comes to elections but many argue that it can also influence voting behaviour. This is because the information it shares can make us think in a particular way which may impact who the electorate vote for.
why is age an important factor in terms of who we vote for and if we vote?
Our life experiences can have a big impact on how we view the world. The level of education we have, the wealth we accumulate over our lifetime can all influence who we are likely to vote for as we balance our knowledge of what’s best for the world and what’s best for us suggesting age is an influential factor.
why is social class an important factor in terms of who we vote for and if we vote?
Social class has been used to divide up British society by social and economic status. Really this is grouping people based on the social activities and interests they have as well as the money that they have. The people within your social life and employment are likely to be from the same class and thus influence how you think.
which type of media (by law) must be balanced?
broadcast media (radio, tv etc)
role of broadcast media?
The role of the broadcast media is to inform and educate us. This is why it must be balanced so that people can make up their own mind.
is print media allowed to be biased?
This type of media is allowed to be biased but it must be truthful. Often it might miss out certain facts and be one sided when telling a story. It is also more likely to give its own opinion. This rule applies no matter if printed or online
what is the role of print media?
The role of the print media is to inform, educate but also influence us. This is why it can be biased as it tries to influence how people think and vote.
who is more likely to get their information from print media?
Older voters are more likely to get their information from the print media like newspapers.
what are the guidelines around new media?
This type of media is very popular in the 21st century with new forms appearing all the time. There are few rules about what people can post online as long as it isn’t criminal or hate speech.
role of new media?
The role of new media is to similar to the print media as it is used to inform, educate and influence how people think and vote but made by anyone.
who uses new media most?
This type of media is heavily used by young people. It is also very cheap and sometimes free to use which saves parties money.
which type of media do the public report to be the most influential source for determining who to vote for?
broadcast media
what is a disadvantage of broadcast media?
Broadcast media has to be balanced and so it may just inform voters and other factors influence how they think about the information
what is good about print media? (newspapers)
Newspaper bias means they can directly tell people how to vote and work to damage the reputation of people they don’t support.
what is a disadvantage of print media?
Newspaper readership (often older) is in decline and many believe newspapers are more likely to follow their readers views than influence them.
advantage of new media (social media)?
New Media is very popular with most people using it in one form. People can choose to block alternative views and so be influenced by people they like.
are younger or older people more educated and how does this effect the way they vote?
younger people are more likely to be educated than older people. those with a higher level of education have a better understanding of complex political issues and so are less afraid of change (or less conservative in nature). The more someone is educated the more likely they are also to be forced to reconsider their views and learn from evidence. Younger people are also more likely to engage online and be exposed to alternative views which arguably is creating a more “Woke” electorate.
how does the older generation typically vote and why?
Older people are likely to have entered work earlier, when life in the UK was cheaper and they have been able to accumulate wealth through more generous pensions, cheaper living, and housing that was bought at low prices but now much more expensive (and harder for young people to buy).This may make them less keen on changes which might mean they pay more in tax or have to give up some of the wealth that they have gathered. therefore they are more likely to vote for the conservative party.
example of how social media is influential
For example, the Labour Party claim to have “won” the social media campaign in 2019 and have the largest support amongst young people
what is a consultation?
Consultations are when the government will gather the views of citizens on a proposed change. The more responses received the more likely that the government will be influenced by citizens feelings.
