Democracy In Scotland #1: Power And Decision Making Flashcards
“Scotland is a democracy. Describe the key features of a democracy.” (6)
One key feature of democracy is voting. This means that people of the public have the right to cast their opinion in an election to decide who will run the country. Evidence of this is that in the 2021 Holyrood election, there was a 63% voting turnout.
One key feature of a democracy is having more than one political party. This means that people are free to vote for someone they feel represents them and their values. Evidence of this is Scotland having a multitude of political parties, eg. Labour, Conservative, SNP.
“Scotland is a democracy. Describe the rights people have in a democracy.” (6)
One right that people have in a democracy is the right to vote. This means that people are encouraged to use their vote to promote their political opinions. Evidence of this is that in the 2021 Holyrood election, there was a 63% voting turnout.
Another right that people have in a democracy is the right to protest. This means that people are allowed to voice their opinions through peaceful demonstrations. Evidence of this is the anti-racism protests that took place across Scotland in response to the Southport Riots. (2024)
“Describe, in detail, reserved matters that Westminster retains responsibility for.” (8)
One reserved matter that Westminster retains responsibility for is immigration. This means that they can still decide who is allowed to enter the country. Evidence of this is the Rwanda policy that prevents the assimilation of illegal immigrants.
Another reserved matter that Westminster retains responsibility for is defence. This means that they can decide how we are protected from other nations that wish to cause conflict.
Evidence of this is the existence of the Trident nuclear program, based in Scotland.
Another reserved matter that Westminster retains responsibility for is constitutional matters. This means that they can control the matters within the countries that would affect the wider UK. Evidence of this is that the UK government was able to deny Nicola Sturgeon another independence referendum.
“Describe, in detail, devolved Matters that the Scottish gov is responsible for.” (8)
One devolved matter that the Scottish government is responsible for is health. This means that they make sure the people of Scotland receive quality health care and are provided with hospitals and access to treatments. Evidence of this is that Nicola sturgeon, is the first minister, lead the Scottish government’s response to the COVID 19’s pandemic by setting up the Louisa Jordan hospital in Glasgow’s SEC.
Another devolved matter that the Scottish government is responsible for is education. This
means that they are responsible for making sure that the education system in Scotland is running well with good quality school buildings and enough teachers. Evidence of this is that in Scottish government recently announced £30million of new money to help the poorest learners get more access to laptops and help them learn digitally During the pandemic.
Another devolved matter that the Scottish government is responsible for is law and order.
This means that they are to maintain peace and safety in Scotland, which includes the running and powers of the police and court service in Scotland.
Evidence of this is the Scottish government published a hate crime bill and asked parliament to look into it including the new crime of stirring up hate.
“Describe, in detail, the roles of the First Minister” (8)
One Role of the first minister is that they can appoint Cabinet. This means that they can select MSP’s to control specific government departments. Evidence of this is that Kate Forbes is deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for the economy, appointed by John Swinney.
One role of the First Minister is to manage the government’s response to crises or emergencies. This means they take charge in times of national concern and provide leadership in addressing urgent issues. Evidence of this is that during the COVID-19 pandemic, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took the lead on implementing public health measures, such as lockdowns and vaccination programs, to protect the population. Eg nationwide locks down march 2020.
A third role of this first minister is foreign visits. This means that the first minister promotes Scotland globally acting as a figurehead for Scotland worldwide, when representing them at events. Evidence of this is that the first minster was seen at the D-day remembrance service with many other world leaders in 2024.
“Describe, in detail, the powers of the First Minister” (8)
One reason why the FM very powerful is because he’s the head of the Scottish government. This means that he’s the leader of the party with the most seats in the parliament. Evidence of this is that the SNP got 64 seats in the 2021 election so therefore the leader of the party got appointed as the first minister.
Another reason the FM is powerful if that they can approve deals with other parties. This means that because the government doesn’t have a majority in parliament, other parties try and get their policies passed in a deal. Evidence of this is the Greens under 22 bus bill that Nicola Sturgeon signed as leader of the SNP (2021).
One reason why The FM is very power is that he represents Scotland internationally. This means that it is his responsibility to speak on behalf of the Scottish people at international conferences. Evidence of this is that Humza Yousaf joined global leaders to set out Scotland’s ambitions and obiectives for COP28 in Dubai.
“Describe, in detail, the limits of the First Minister” (8)
One way in which the FM is not very powerful is that they are only responsible for devolved matters.This mean that they can only make decisions based in Scotland and not reserved, that are UK based. Evidence of this is the Uk government blocked the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill as it interferes with UK equality laws that is a reserved matter (December 2023)
One way in which the FM is not very powerful is that they have to answer to parliament. This means that although they are the leader of the country they must still attend parliament to be questioned and challenged. Evidence of this is the FM Question Times on Thursdays, where they must answer to Parliament. For example, in 2024, First Minister Humza Yousaf was questioned on his government’s approach to the NHS, where he defended recent measures to increase funding and reduce waiting times.
Another way in which the FM is not very powerful is that they have to make deals with other parties. This means that because their party doesn’t have a majority of seats, they must bargain with other parties to pass policies. Evidence of this is the Bute House Agreement, where the SNP and Scottish Greens joined up in a shared-power deal.
