Democracy in Scotland

Question 1

Describe, in detail, the features of a democracy

Answer 1

Political Rights - Protest / Join Groups

Free Speech - Free to comment on Nicola Sturgeons Covid Response

Question 2

Describe, in detail, devolved matters that the Scottish Parliament is responsible for

Answer 2

Health - (Health & Sport Committee) Organ Donation Bill

Education - (Education Committee) Exam Cancellation

Question 3

Describe, in detail, devolved matters that the Scottish Government is responsible for

Answer 3

Health - New hospital in Glasgow

Education - ICT for Online Learning

Question 4

Describe, in detail, the role of the First Minister

Answer 4

Lead Scottish Government - Approve Bus Travel

Represent Scotland - During Pandemic

Question 5

Explain, in detail, why the First Minister is powerful

Answer 5

Lead Scottish Government - Approved Lockdown

Approves Deals - Free Bus Travel

Question 6

Explain, in detail, why the First Minister is not powerful

Answer 6

Only Responsible for Devolved Matters - Couldn’t close borders
Have to agree - Had to agree with greens so governments budget passed

Question 7

Describe, in detail, the rights and responsibilities individuals have in a democracy (3)

Answer 7

Right to Vote / Use your Vote - May 2021 parliament elections
Right to Protest / Obey the law - BLM
Right to Join a party / Help support - 100,000 members of SNP

Question 8

Describe, in detail, the ways that individuals can participate in Scotland’s democracy (3)

Answer 8

Stand as a candidate - Nicola Sturgeon
Vote - May 2021 SP elections
Join a party - 100,000 members of SNP

Question 9

Explain, in detail, why some people choose to participate (3)

Answer 9

Know how important it is - SP responsible for Devolved matters
To make a difference - Scotland uni is free, England its not
Protect their rights - Young people can now vote

Question 10

Explain, in detail, why some people choose not to participate (3)

Answer 10

Feel excluded - Only 1 woman in charge of SD
Won’t matter - Against Nuclear weapons at Faslane
Don’t know how - AMS Complex

Question 11

Describe, in detail, the different stages of an election (3)

Answer 11

Dissolution of SP - 2021 Election
Campaigning - TV Debates BBC
Election day - SNP won in 2021

Question 12

Describe, in detail, the methods used by political parties in a campaign (3)

Answer 12

Manifesto - ICT In school
Debates- Leaders debate BBC
Canvasing & Leafleting - John Scott 2016 2021

Question 13

Explain, in detail, why some political parties are successful in a campaign (3)

Answer 13

Number of members - 100,000 in SNP
Right leader - Ruth Davidson Conservatives
Social Media - 300,000 SNP Twitter followers Vs Green 55,000

Question 14

Describe, in detail, the role of an individual in an election campaign (3)

Answer 14

Get informed - Leaders Debate
Stand as a candidate - Nicola Sturgeon
Vote - May 2021 SP Election

Question 15

Describe, in detail, the role of political parties in an election campaign (3)

Answer 15

Promote Candidates - More women excpet cons
Manifesto - Free school meal
Campaign - John Scott

Question 16

Describe, in detail, the role of the media in an election campaign (3)

Answer 16

Scrutinise PP -BBC Asked Nicola questions about hard border in IS
Provide Platform - PPB
Promote public concerns - Leaders Debate

Question 17

Explain, in detail, why some parties use the media in a campaign (3)

Answer 17

To reach as many voters as they can - Broadcast media
Reach older voters - Print Media
Reach Younger voters - Social Media

Question 18

Describe, in detail, the role/work of an MSP in the constituency

Answer 18

Visit local schools - PA Question time

Hold surgery - Virtually on Fridays

Question 19

Describe, in detail, the work of MSPs in Parliament

Answer 19

Take part in debates - Smacking Ban

Take part in question time - Every Thursday

Question 20

Describe, in detail, the composition of Scottish Parliament committees

Answer 20

Members of all parties - SNP have more members than Cons

Leadership shared between parties - Most committees the chair is from SNP

Question 21

Explain, in detail, the purpose of the committees in the Scottish Parliament

Answer 21

Conduct Inquires - No Mods

Hold Account - 2020 Exam Cancellation

Question 22

Describe, in detail, representation in the Scottish Parliament

Answer 22

Men Over Represented, Women Underrepresented - 55% of MSPS Male, 45% Female
Whites (historically) Over Representended, BAME Underrepresented - 98% MSPs White, 2% Ethnic Minorities

Question 23

Explain, in detail, why some groups are underrepresented

Answer 23

Lack of Role Models - Only 1 Female FM

Abuse / Put off - Women 2 to 3 times more likely to experience online abuse more than men

Question 24

Describe, in detail, they key features of the additional member system (3)

Answer 24

Voters get 2 votes - Ayr Constituency & South of Scotland Region
2 Types of MSPs - Siobian Brown and Nicola both represent local area
More proportional- 2021 Con got 23% vote, 24% seats

Question 25

Describe, in detail, the outcomes of Additional Member System (3)

Answer 25

Coalition Government - Labour & Democrats Partnership
Minority Government - SNP & Green
Fairer Representation - 2021 Con got 23% Vote & 24% Seats

Question 26

Explain, in detail, the advantages of the Additional Member System (3)

Answer 26

Strong link between local people and parliament - Siobhian Brown Ayr constituency
Voters get more choice - 2 Votes (SNP & Green for IndyRef)
Fairer representation of parties - 2021 Co got 23% vote & 24% seats

Question 27

Explain, in detail, the disadvantages of Additional Member System (3)

Answer 27

Many people vote against constituency MSP - Siobhian Brown < 50% of vote
System is complex - 1 vote for person, 2nd vote for party
Results in Tactical Voting - Only vote SNP or Cons in Ayr

Question 28

Explain, in detail, why some people don’t vote

Answer 28

Don’t feel represented - Only 1 wheelchair using MSP

Don’t have to - Turnount is around 50%