democracy Flashcards
1
Q
3 options for scotland’s future
A
DevoMax (maximum devolution)
Independence
Federalism
2
Q
what is Devo-Max
A
This option would see the Scottish Parliament granted powers by the UK Parliament for everything except defence and foreign relations.
3
Q
if Devo-Max were to happen what would happen to the rest of the UK?
A
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.
4
Q
advantages of Devo-Max?
A
This would give almost all the argued benefits of independence but the benefits of being part of a larger union.
5
Q
disadvantages of Devo-Max?
A
Scotland would not be able to decide about going to war or be able to make agreements like re- joining the EU.
6
Q
what is scottish independence?
A
this means Scotland leaving the United Kingdom and becoming an independent country.
7
Q
what does independence mean for scotland? (politically)
A
This would mean that Scotland would have full responsibility for all the decisions made in Scotland and any agreements it makes with other countries.
8
Q
what does independence mean for scotland (economically)
A
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.
9
Q
advantages of independence?
A
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.
10
Q
disadvantages of independence?
A
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
11
Q
what is federalism?
A
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.
12
Q
disadvantages of federalism?
A
It could be 10 years before a party supporting this is in charge of the UK Government meaning it doesn’t address todays problems.
13
Q
advantages of federalism?
A
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.
14
Q
example for Devo-Max
A
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.
15
Q
what effect does Devo-Max have economically?
A
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.
16
Q
example of how devo-max makes scotland a poorer country? (stats)
A
Scotland gets 17% more per person than the UK Average
17
Q
Example of how Scottish Independence can make scotland a fairer country.
A
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.
18
Q
why do some argue that status-quo is a better option than independence?
A
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”
19
Q
example of why it is better for the UK to stay as one
A
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.
20
Q
example of how federalism would make the UK a fairer place
A
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.
21
Q
why may federalism unrealistic?
A
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.
22
Q
example of how federalism “might help fix the UK”
A
For example, only in 2020 the new Labour leader Sir Kier Starmer suggested federalism might help fix the UK.
23
Q
how does law making in Scotland work?
A
bill is introduced and voted on —> bill scrutinised in committee —> bill approved in chamber —> queen signs into the law
24
Q
how does law making work in the UK?
A
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
25
what is the House of Lords?
the HoL is the second chamber in the UK parliament
26
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.
27
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.
28
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.
29
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.
30
What is the House of Commons?
The House Of Commons is the primary (main) chamber in the UK Parliament.
31
what is the role of the House of Commons?
The main role of the HoC is to scrutinise the work of the government
32
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.
33
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.
34
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.
35
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.
36
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.
37
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.
38
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.
39
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.
40
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.
41
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.
42
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.
43
which type of media (by law) must be balanced?
broadcast media (radio, tv etc)
44
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.
45
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
46
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.
47
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.
48
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.
49
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.
50
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.
51
which type of media do the public report to be the most influential source for determining who to vote for?
broadcast media
52
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
53
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.
54
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.
55
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.
56
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.
57
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.
58
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
59
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.
60
what is a petition?
Petitions are often started by individuals or groups to demand action. The more people that sign it the more influential it can be as the government may worry about upsetting the signatories who could be future supporters for them or an opponent.
61
what is a pressure group?
Pressure groups are often made up of large number citizens who have specifically come together to influence the government. Depending on their size and the methods they use they can sometimes be very influential
62
why are consultations effective?
The response it receives can influence the choices the government makes, particularly if the response indicates a specific issue might be popular or controversial
63
example FOR consultations
For example, the Scottish Government recently consulted on tougher penalties for people who harm wildlife. 97% of people supported the plan and it became law in 2020.
64
what are the limitations of consultations?
citizens views could have no influence at all on government decision making. Just because the government issues a consultation doesn’t mean they have to accept the responses or act on them. A government might consult to look like it takes the publics view into account but may have already made up its mind.
65
example of the limitations of consultations
For example, in 2017 the UK Government consulted on letting disabled people vote electronically, then took a year to respond by rejecting the idea.
66
who are petitions started by?
individuals and groups in order to demand action
67
example FOR petitions?
For example, in 2019 the UK Government supported the introduction of Finns Law after it received over 130,000 signatures in a petition. This law gave greater protection to police dogs and horses after the dog Finn was stabbed.
68
what is a limitation to petitions
the government can ignore petitions. The government may make a calculation that the people supporting a petition might never be supporters of their political party and so choose to ignore the petitions.
69
example AGAINST the effectiveness of petitions
For example, in recent years the two biggest petitions in UK history have been to cancel Brexit and ban Donald Trump from the UK gaining over 7 million signatures between them. As the Conservative party leadership is supportive of both Brexit and Trump they chose to ignore the petition and still won the next election
70
how are pressure groups effective?
Citizens can also influence the governments decision making by joining a pressure group. Pressure groups are a collection of citizens who specifically come together to influence and achieve change. They use a range of different methods to try and put pressure onto the government to influence their policies
71
examples FOR the effectiveness of pressure groups
For example, in 2021 Scotland will become the first country in the world to have a LGBT inclusive education system because of the influence of the TIE pressure group.
72
what are the limitations of a pressure group?
there are many different types of pressure groups and often because the method a group will use depends on the type of group that they are. It can sometimes be hard to define a pressure group so it is best to look at the methods the group use as well as the reason they exist.
73
example of a limitation of a pressure group
For example, if they represent young people but only use protests they are probably a sectional / outsider group. In contrast a group that wants to protect the environment yet attend meetings at parliament then they are probably a cause / insider group.
74
what are insider groups
These groups often work with the government privately. There methods tend to be very low profile such as lobbying Ministers, producing expert reports and responding to consultations.
75
what are outsider groups?
These groups will rarely work with the government and instead go directly to the public to get voters to put the pressure on government. Their methods are often high profile like protests and media stunts
76
what are sectional groups?
These groups normally represent a specific section of society. This might be a group of people who have a job in common (teacher) or a part of their identify (age).
77
what is a cause group?
These groups tend to represent a particular cause or issue. This can be a one off issue or something that they will fight for over a long period of time.
78
how do pressure groups respond to consultations?
One way that pressure groups can influence the government is by responding to consultations. The government will often seek out the views of organisations on changes it proposes. The response it receives can influence the choices the government makes, particularly if the response indicates a specific issue might be popular or controversial.
79
example of pressure groups responding to consultations
For example, the Scottish Government recently consulted on tougher penalties for people who harm wildlife. The Law Society, a sectional / insider pressure group responded with their experience and the proposal became law in 2020.
80
what are the limitations of a pressure group responding to a consultation?
pressure group views could have no influence at all on government decision making. Just because the government issues a consultation doesn’t mean they have to accept the responses or act on them. A government might consult to look like it takes pressure groups views into account but may have already made up its mind
81
example of limitations of a pressure group responding to a consultation
For example, in 2017 the UK Government consulted on letting disabled people vote electronically, then took a year to respond by rejecting the idea despite the Royal Society for the Blind supporting it.
82
how can pressure groups influence the government decision making by using a petition?
often started by groups to demand action. The more
people that sign it the more influential it can be as the
government may worry about upsetting the signatories who could be future supporters for them or an opponent
83
example against pressure groups using petitions
For example, the Time for Inclusive Education pressure group first tried to use a petition to change the law to change Scottish education at the start of their campaign but this was rejected by the government and others.
84
what are the limitations of pressure groups using petitions
As effective as it might be in some cases, some petitions are not always practical or in the interests of the government to support it. This means that the government may decide to reject the petition or not even respond to it as they might feel that it won’t harm them to not do as the petition asks.
85
what does lobbying the government mean?
Pressure groups will often try and lobby the government to get support. This means meeting directly with members of the government in an attempt to try a and persuade them to support the group.
86
example of pressure groups lobbying the government
For example, in 2021 Scotland will become the first country in the world to have a LGBT inclusive education system because the TIE pressure group lobbied enough MSPs and Government Ministers eventually gaining their support.
87
what are the limitations of lobbying the government?
Though some groups have success not all do. This might be because it has more to do with the change they want and how sympathetic the government might be. If the issue is one that the government is against it can be very hard to get access to members of the government directly as their diaries are protected and often there is security
88
example of limitations of lobbying the government
For example, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has been lobbying MPs in parliament for over 40 years but the UK government has remained committed to having nuclear weapons no matter what party is in power.
89
what is scrutiny from lords?
The House of Lords has often been highlighted as an effective part of parliament because it is more independent. As a completely separate chamber the House of Lords faces much less pressure to do to the will of the government. Indeed, because of their unelected lifelong position, the Lords are more willing to critically scrutinise the government with out fear of punishment.
90
why committee scrutiny by MPs isnt as effective as they could be?
committees are maybe not as effective as they can be because of party loyalty. The government of the day will always have members of its party in charge of the largest number of committees. They will also tend to have more MPs on the committee which means the more loyal the MP the less likely they are to be critical of the government for fear of punishment.
91
example of how committee scrutiny by MPs maybe isnt as effective as they could be
For example, in 2020 a Conservative MP was kicked out of the party because he didn’t follow the governments wishes to act as a warning to other Conservative MPs
92
why is committee scrutiny seen as the most effective means of parliamentary scrutiny?
This is because MPs are able to work in a much smaller group and get a more detailed understanding of how well the government is (or isn’t) doing. As these are public and shown on TV ministers have to work really hard to not be embarrassed or make mistakes
93
example of how committee scrutiny seen as the most effective means of parliamentary scrutiny
or example, Yvette Cooper of the Home Affairs committee, through her questioning, exposed that the government didn’t know how many people were coming into the UK with coronavirus.
94
what is chamber scrutiny by MPs?
One of the effective ways that Parliamentary Representatives can hold the government to account is through questions in the debating chamber. This is when MPs can submit questions to ministers, including the PM, as a part of a debate or in a scheduled question time, this puts them under pressure to defend themselves and look competent
95
example of chamber scrutiny by MPs
For example, in 2020 Boris Johnson as the PM was taking questions on a Wednesday from MPs about the government’s problems with the track and trace system during the Covid- 19 pandemic.
96
limitations of chamber scrutiny by MPs
it can be argued that this tool is only partially effective. This is because many MPs will belong to the same political party as the government and so are not very likely to ask difficult or negative questions of the government and there isn’t enough space for
all 650 MPs
97
example for limitations of chamber scrutiny by MPs
For example, in 2020 a Conservative MP3 asked
Boris Johnson if his government would commit to making sure the MPs area – Byth Valley, would benefit from the governments ambition.
98
why is the lords being undemocratic a bad thing?
because of how the decisions made by the Lords are seen as biased in favour of the current government
99
why is broadcast media argued to be the most influential form of media for voters?
The broadcast media, by law must be neutral and balanced in its reporting of politics. This means that when people access it for information during an election they are presented with different sides of the argument which indirectly influences who they vote for so politicians worry about getting it right on TV.
100
example of why is broadcast media argued to be the most influential form of media for voters
For example, in the 2019 the leaders of the main parties were all interviewed by Andrew Neil except Boris Johnson because his team were worried he could come across badly.
101
why is the influence of newspapers in decline?
the influence of newspaper
appears to be in decline. The print media, unlike TV, is allowed to be biased and it is believed by some that
this would be important in influencing voters. This is because a newspaper
could tells its voters who to vote for in an election but the evidence suggests that voters are more likely to buy a newspaper that supports their view than have their view influenced by that newspaper.
102
example of how the influence of newspapers in decline
This is illustrated by the fact the biggest newspaper (the Sun) continues to support the Conservatives in England yet support the SNP in Scotland. The respected polling expert John Curtice argues “newspaper influence approximates to zero”.
103
how does social media have an influence over voters?
In recent years many have argued that social media has become effective in influencing voters. Young people are more likely to use social media so this is a way that parties can try and influence their voting
104
example of how does social media have an influence over voters
For example ,the Labour Party claim to have “won” the social media campaign in 2019 and have the largest support amongst young people
105
what is a limitation of the influence social media has over voters?
its influence should not be overestimated as shares and views do not translate into votes. Younger people are more likely to use social media but its often don’t vote. This means people will share a video or post thousands and millions of times but if they don’t vote then it wont matter how popular it is
106
example of a limitation of the influence of social media has over voters
For example, Labour claimed to have won the online election but the reality is their vote share fell by almost 8% and they saw their worst defeat in almost 100 years.
107
why is age an important factor when influencing the result if referenda on big constitutional changes?
This is may because older voters are less likely to vote for change as they may have more to lose
108
example of why is age an important factor when influencing the result if referenda on big constitutional changes
During the Scottish referendum, older voters were more likely to vote No due to concerns regarding pensions. This is illustrated14 by the fact 60% of over 50s voted no compared to 48% of under 50s.
109
why is age not that big of a factor which effects voting?
more recently older voters have been more willing to embrace change.
110
example of age not that big of a factor which effects voting?
r voters have been more willing to embrace change. This was shown in the EU referendum in 2016. The results showed that older voters were more likely to vote leave which suggests that again age matters but this time for change. This is evidenced15 by the fact that over 60% of the over 50s voted for Brexit while over 60% of the under 50s were against it.
111
how does age effect party support?
A persons age is likely to influence the party that they will vote for. Recent elections have demonstrated that younger voters are more likely to support the Labour party who are seen as a party more in favour of equality and free education that is important to younger people.
112
example of how age effects party support?
For example, on average 56% of under 40s supported Labour in 2019 compared to only 25% who supported the
16 Conservatives according to YouGov .
113
example of how age does not effect party support
For example according to Ipsos Mori in the 1987 election when the UK was more equal the difference between under and over 40s voting Conservative was only 5% and for Labour it was 2%.
114
how does age not effect party support?
Arguably, age has become more influential over time. Recently there is a clear difference in the party someone is likely to support based on age however that was not always the case. In the 1980 the split between older and younger generations was much smaller than it is today.
115
social class effect on brexit
It can be argued that class is also influential when it comes to voting in recent referenda. The Brexit referendum saw significant numbers of lower class people vote to leave the European Union. Which suggests class may have influenced voting behaviour.
116
example of social class' effect on Brexit
This is illustrated by the fact that around 55% of ABC1 voters supported staying in the EU while around 63% of C2DE supported Brexit.
117
social class lack of effect on independence
the Scottish Independence referendum suggests that class was less influential. The Scottish independence in 2014 saw a record number of people vote yet the balance of votes between the different income groups was much closer than in the Brexit referendum
118
example of social class' lack of effect on independence
This is shown in the results of 2014 where people earning £30,000 and over in Scotland were 50:50 between Yes and No while those earning under £30,000 were almost split 50:50 between Yes or No.
119
how do pressure groups methods to put their views across
Pressure groups use a number of different legal methods to put their views across:
Posting leaflets through doors or canvassing door to door.
Taking part in demonstrations, marches or attending rallies.
Organising petitions.
Lobbying (speaking directly to) MSPs or councillors.
Writing letters to politicians or to newspapers.
Giving interviews which are reported in the media (radio, TV and newspapers) or taking part in publicity stunts to gain media attention.
120
what are the two voting systems we use in the UK?
we use the first past the post electoral system for the uk parliament and the additional member system (AMS) for the scottish parliament
121
how does the additional members system work?
the scottish parliament gives the electorate two votes. the first one is for a local MSP using the FPTP system and the second vote is for a region.
122
how does the 1st vote in the addition members system work in scotland?
Scotland is split into 73 constituencies seats. these MSPs are elected using the FPTP system which means there continues to be a local link between parliament and the constituency . The candidate with the most votes becomes the MSP for that area.
123
how does the 2nd vote in the Additional members system work?
Scotland is split into 8 regions and these MSPs are elected using a "party list system" This means that people pick a party. all the votes are then added together and MSPs are appointed using a formula that makes the overall result fairer
124
what are pros of the FPTP system?
simple to understand
limits the extremist parties
provides a local link
produces strong government
125
what are the cons of the FPTP system?
Encourages tactical voting
unfair on smaller parties
unrepresentative link
weakens parliament
126
example of how the FPTP system is easy to understand?
people in central Ayrshire, Phillipa Whitford won almost 5000 votes more than her nearest rival making her the clear winner
127
example of how FPTP system encourages tactical voting?
for example many people in central ayrshire will have supported the conservative candidate because they were most likely to beat the SNPs Phillipa, because they are against independence and not because they like the conservative policies.
128
example of FPTP system limiting extremist parties
in 2019 the facist BNP party stood and gained only a few hundred votes meaning they will never get into parliament
129
example of FPTP being unfair on smaller parties?
for example, in the 2019 election the greens won around 900,000 votes across the UK only one seat. the SNP won 48 seats with 1.2 million votes because their support is more concentrated
130
example of FPTP system providing a local link?
Phillipa Whitford is the MP for central ayrshire but the MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock is Allan Dorans。
131
example of FPTP causing a unrepresentative link?
only 46% of people voted for Phillipa Whitford in 2019 meaning that most people in Central Ayrshire didnt vote for the MP they have
132
example of FPTP producing a strong government
since 1945 there have only been 3 governments that didn't have a majority of seats in parliament after an election
133
example of FPTP weakening parliament?
no government has won 50% of the vote since the 1930s in the election yet almost always has the power to do what they wish with a majority in parliament
134
what is good about the AMS?
provides a local link
more power to voters
fairer on smaller parties
stronger parliament
135
cons of AMS?
large number of MSPs
More power to parties also
not truly proportional
weaker government
136
example of the AMS system providing a local link?
John Scott is the MSP for the Ayr Constituency
137
example of the AMS system causing a large number of MSPs?
for example, in prestwick there are 3 SNP MSPs, 3 conservative MSPs and 2 labour MSPs
138
example pf AMS system giving more power to voters?
For example, a labour voter in Ayr would be disappointed by the conservatives winning the seat but their votes would have helped gain 2 labour MSPs in the region
139
example of MSPs giving more power to parties due to AMS?
for example, when former labour leader quit as an MSP the labour leadership chose her replacement rather than the voters.
140
example of AMS being not truly proportional?
in 2016 the Lib dems got more votes than the greens but got one fewer seat than the greens
141
example of AMS giving us stronger parliament?
the SNP had to make deals with the greens and conservatives in the past to pass their budget giving more power to these parties and their supporters
142
example of AMS giving us a weaker government?
the greens gained around only 4% of the vote in 2016 but have been able to tell the SNP what to do at times
143
what are public bill committees
these are committees are temporary in nature. the MPs on the committee are there based on party size in parliament. they exist for as long as a proposed bill is in parliament. there job is to scrutinise the bill, gather evidence and they can suggest the amendments to ve made to the bill that the HoC as a whole can vote on
144
what are select committes?
these are committes have been set up to shadow each government department. they have an important role in supervising that department and will often call in officials or ministers to question them and hold them to account. for example the home affairs committee is chaired by Yvette Cooper and looks at immigration
145
what is the liaison committee?
this committee has become more famous in recent years for its grilling of the Prime Minister. the MPs on this committe are all the chairs of select committes. this makes the group as they have been selected by parliament itself to question the government and hold it to accouny
146
what are long term factors in voting behaviour?
these are factors which are built up over a lifetime perhaps even before a person is first politically aware. this is known as the process of political socialisation.
147
what are short term factors in voting behaviour?
short term factors are these factors to which voters react in a particular time.
148
example of long term voting behaviour?
for example, if the majority of people in an area are known to vote conservative including a persons family then that particular voter, it is argued , is more likely to vote conservative
149
example of short term voting behaviour?
the decision between Tony Blair to support the American led invasion in Iraq in 2003 angered many labour voters and there is evidence from the results of 2005 UK election that some voters switched away from labour because of the decision.
