DEMOCRACY IN SCOTLAND

Question 1

FEATURES OF A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
FREE MEDIA

Answer 1

P-one feature of a democratic society is free media
E-this means using social media such as Instagram or Facebook, read a variety of newspapers to share opinions freely
E-for example the Scottish Sun or The National and discuss politics on TV debates or the political programmes such as Laura Kuenssenberg.​

Question 2

FEATURES OF A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
REGULAR ELECTIONS

Answer 2

P-one feature of a democratic society is regular elections
E-this means that holyrood and council elections happen every 4-5 years for people to have there say in whos running the country
E-In 2021 the MSP for Eastwood was Conservative Jackson Carlaw

Question 3

FEATURES OF A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY#
FREEDOM OF RELIGION

Answer 3

P-one feature of a democratic society is having freedom of religion
E-this means the public are Free to choose religion or have none at all.​
E- 1/3 Scots have no religion according to the census.​

Question 4

DEVOLVED POWERS OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Answer 4

TOURISM-Investment in websites, transport links and adverts encouraging people to ‘Visit Scotland’.​
EG-Renovating castles, building new attractions e.g. Bannockburn visitor centre.​

HEALTH-Have own control of NHS Scotland. ​
EG-Baby boxes (2017)​

EDUCATION-Scotland has its own Scottish Qualifications Authority delivering N4,5 and Higher rather than GCSE and A level.​
EG-EMA for age 16+ in full time education with good attendance.​

LAW & ORDER-​Can set our own laws on devolved matters.​
EG-Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Act 2018 ​

Question 5

RESOLVED POWERS OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERMENT

Answer 5

DEFENCE-UK Parliament makes decisions about British armed forces, their funding and their deployment.​
EG-Scot Gov is opposed to the continued funding of the UK’s nuclear weapon system, Trident, which is based in Scotland. However, the UK Parliament has repeatedly voted for​
its renewal.

IMMIGRATION-UK Parliament that legislates any new rules about who can enter and live the UK.​
EG-Scot Gov strongly opposed plans by the UK Gov to send migrants arriving in the UK illegally to Rwanda where there have been reports of human rights violations.​

THE CONSITUTION-This means that the system of rules that shape how the UK is run can only be changed in Westminster.​
EG-Nov 2022 - the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the UK Gov that the Scottish Parliament did not have a legal right to hold a second independence referendum without the consent of the UK Parliament.​

Question 6

ROLES AND POWERS OF THE FM

Answer 6

HEAD OF THE SCOT GOV-Responsible for the development and setting the agenda for policies in Scotland. ​
EG-Humza Yousaf increased the police budget by £40million in 2023.​

PROMOTING & REPRESENTING AT HOME & ABROAD​-FM builds relationships with world leaders and allies and encourages support for Scotland. ​
EG-Sturgeon met with Joe Biden at Cop 26.​

APPOINTS (HIRES & FIRES) OTHER MINISTERS​-Can choose the best people for the jobs in cabinet as ministers of devolved powers including Deputy First Minister from MSPs within SNP. ​
EG-Humza Yousaf replaced Health secretary Shona Robinson with Michael Matheson.​

CHAIRS SCOTTISH CABINET​-Directs meetings where cabinet ministers consider and make decisions on the priorities/policies of the gov in devolved areas.​
EG-SNP are currently debating banning disposable vapes and extending free childcare hours to 2 year olds.​

Question 7

RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS

Answer 7

P-RIGHT TO VOTE
E-You can vote in local and national elections.​
E-In 2021 Scottish Parliament elections, voter turnout was 63.5%.​

P-RIGHT TO PROTEST
E-Any Scot can join a political party, raise awareness on social media or take part in a protest.​
E-Pressure groups such as Scottish CND, Bairns Not Bombs, etc. protesting.​

P-RIGHT TO STAND AS A CANDIDATE
E-Scots over 18 can stand as a candidate themselves.​
E-2021 the first female ethnic minority MSP, Pam Gosal, was elected to the​
West of Scotland Region.​

Question 8

RESPONSIBILITIES OF INDIVIDUALS

Answer 8

P- RESPONSIBILITY TO USE VOTE WISELY​
E- People died for the right.​
E- Suffragettes and suffragists fought for women to have the right to vote.​

P-ENSURE THAT WE PROTEST PEACEFULLY
​E-Do not damage property.​
E-2021 anti-lockdown protests in London became violent which should not have happened.​

P-ENSURE THAT WE DO NOT BREAK THE LAW​
E-Obey the law, serve on juries when requested and tell the truth when giving evidence.​
E-Obey laws such as not buying alcohol or smoking under 18.​

Question 9

Roles of pressure group

Answer 9

P-COLLECTIVE ACTION MORE INFLUENTIAL THAN INDIVIDUAL​
E-People who care deeply about an issue such as the environment can join a pressure group as it gives them a better chance to make a difference because their voices are contributing to wider calls for action. ​
E-Greenpeace have over 10k members. Scot Gov more likely to listen to 10k voices than 1.​

P-BEST WAY TO INFLUENCE GOV BETWEEN ELECTIONS​
E-Scottish Parliament elections every 5 years – within this time Gov may fail to meet promises made or change actions.​
PGs allow citizens a greater chance of affecting changes to the law without having to wait on the next election.​
E-‘On the Ball’ campaigners heavily criticised Scot Gov over their reluctance to support universal scheme for free period products as well as damning MSPs who would vote against the bill. Bill was eventually supported by Scot Gov and passed.​

P-EASIER TO JOIN/COMMIT TO THAN A POLITICAL PARTY​
E-Political parties have policies related to all aspects of public life, it is therefore unlikely that a citizen will agree with all or even most of these even if they feel strongly about a specific point. ​
As PGs focus on one issue, citizens may find it easier to commit to joining.​
EScottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (SCND) are solely focused on the removal of nuclear weapons in Scotisland. While members may disagree on many other issues, they need only to agree strongly on this issue to feel comfortable being a member.​

Question 10

PRESSURE GROUPS-AIMS AND PURPOSE

Answer 10

P-SCRUTINISE GOVERNMENT AND POLICYMAKING​
E-Hold the Scottish Gov to account when they break promises, fail to achieve targets or introduce policies which the group considers to be damaging.​
E-‘On the Ball’ campaigners heavily criticised Scot Gov over their reluctance to support universal scheme for free period products as well as damning MSPs who would vote against the bill. Bill was eventually supported by Scot Gov and passed.​

P-INFLUENCE GOVERNMENT AGENDA AND DECISION-MAKING​
E-PGs will attempt to bring issues to the attention of Scottish Parliament so that they will be debated and acted upon.​
E-TIE campaigned for LGBT equality and inclusive education to be delivered in Scotland’s state schools. They were successful in securing government support and funding after lobbying politicians.​

P-INFORM THE PUBLIC​
E-PGs will try to inform the public about their issue so that people can learn about it and may lend their support – handing out leaflets, talking to public or posting on social media.​
E-Scottish CND hold street stalls in busy parts of Glasgow so that they can give leaflets and talk to the public about the issue of nuclear weapons in Scotland.​

Question 11

METHODS AND EFFECTIVENESS
PROTESTING

Answer 11

P-PROTESTING
E-Marching, gathering in large crowds and making their feelings known. ​Sometimes groups break the law when they do this but it can be effective as the media attention it attracts can also put pressure on the government to act. ​
E-After Extinction Rebellion organised protests to shut down cities and for students to walk out of class, the Scottish Government declared a climate emergency and changed some of its policies. ​

Question 12

METHODS AND EFFECTIVENESS PRESSURE GROUP
LETTER WRITING

Answer 12

P-LETTER WRITING
E-Involves getting supporters and the public to write to the government or companies to try to get their support. ​It can be effective as it shows someone like an MSP how much people support the issue and they might not want to lose votes
E-Surfers Against Sewage organised a letter writing campaign about a bottle deposit scheme which the Scottish Government announced it would support. ​

Question 13

ROLE OF THE MEDIA

Answer 13

P-INFORM US
E-This means to keep the public up to date on current affairs and breaking news. ​
E-For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic the First Minister gave a daily briefing through the BBC to make sure people were informed about the rules to keep safe. ​

P-INFLUENCE
E-This means to make us think in a particular way or encourage us to vote or a certain party. ​
E-For example, in the run up to the 2021 Scottish election the Daily Mail ran headlines warning voters of the SNP and supported the Conservative.​

P-EDUCATE US
E-This means to help educate the public on party policies, new laws and complex issues of the day. ​
E-For example, in the 2021 election all of the political parties used Twitter to share their election manifestos to educate voters about their policies.​

Question 14

THE MEDIAS METHODS

Answer 14

P-RUNNING DEBATES (TV & BROADCAST MEDIA)​
E-Though the broadcasters have to be balanced in their reporting they will organise leadership debates so that the people at home can hear all the views and make up their mind.​
E-Nicola Sturgeon took part in the leaders debate on BBC which was watched by nearly 700,000 people.​

P-FRONT PAGE HEADLINES (NEWSPAPERS & NEWS SITES)​
E-Because the print media is allowed to be biased, it will often use its front covers to express an opinion in a sensationalist way and encourage the reader to join its point of view.​
E-In the run up to the 2021 Scottish Elections, the Daily Mail ran headlines warning voters of the SNP and supported the Scottish Conservatives.​

P-TARGETTED ADs (NEW MEDIA)​
E-When media companies like twitter, Facebook and Instagram can use the data they learn about you to target you with adverts to make you think a certain way.​
E-Certain issues can be targeted to younger voters, in the 2021 election the Green Party pushed an advert about climate action and 95% of the people who saw it were under 35.

Question 15

IS THE MEDIA INFLUENCIAL

Answer 15

P-UNCOVERING SCANDALS
E-Often newspapers will look carefully at the government and try to find a scandal. This can be influential as it forces the government to act. ​
E-During the Covid-19 pandemic, the media repeatedly questioned Nicola Sturgeon about her advisor breaking the rules and she had to quit. ​

P-RUNNING OWN CAMPAIGNS​
E-The media will sometimes run their own campaigns to support an issue that they think is really important and use their power to question politicians and influence public opinion. ​
E-The Daily Record had been running a campaign to decriminalise drugs which the SNP later supported. ​

Question 16

ROLE OF MSPS-CONSTITUENCY

Answer 16

P-ATTENDING LOCAL MEETINGS​
E-They must meet with other MSPs, councillors, local groups, businesses and PGs.​
They must stay up to date with issues affecting their constituencies and look to be acting in the best interests of the constituents.​
E-MSPs may also visit schools to meet pupils and teachers and discuss the importance of politics and how young people can become more engaged. In 2022, Jackson Carlaw visited St Ninian’s High School to speak to pupils about the work of an MSP.

P-HOLDING SURGERIES
E-Constituents can attend surgeries to discuss matters of importance with their MSP. The MSP can give one-to-one advice and state how they will help the constituents with their problems​
E-Jackson Carlaw MSP often holds surgeries at Giffnock Library, where his constituents can come and discuss matters relating to Eastwood.​

P-REPLYING TO CORRESPONDENCE
E-MSP must take time to reply to the correspondents sent by constituents.​
These may be emails, tweets, phone calls, Facebook messages and letters.​
E-Jackson Carlaw MSP may have an important issue brought to his attention by someone sharing a Facebook post or tweet with him.​

Question 17

ROLE OF MSPs-PARLIMENT

Answer 17

P-TAKING PART IN DEBATES
E-Issues concerning the country will be discussed at length with the hope of a resolution particularly if they are of direct concern to their constituents. This is an excellent way of ensuring any current issues are raised and discussed.​MSPs debated whether 16 and 17 years should get the vote in the Independence referendum.​
E-MSPs get the opportunity to vote at the end of a debate in support / opposition to the prosed motion.​

P-COMMITTEE WORK​
E-Most MSPs are members of at least one committee. Committees can scrutinise new laws or hold inquiries into current issues.​
E-Inquiries have been conducted by committees in Scottish Parliament about the impact of Brexit and the government’s response to Covid-19.​

P-VOTING ON PROPOSED BILLS
E-MSPs vote during decision time at parliament on matters that affect the Scottish people. This is when MSPs decide if a matter will progress to the next stage.​
E-MSPs voted in favour of the Minimum Unit of Pricing on Alcohol.​

Question 18

REASONS FOR POOR REPRESENTATION
WOMEN-SEXISM
WOMEN-LACK OF ROLE MODELS

Answer 18

P-WOMEN - SEXISM​
E-The way women are treated in politics, with the media more likely to focus on woman’s looks rather than their ideas, can be a big barrier to women’s participation. ​
E-For example, it was reported by the Sunday post that female political candidates are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience abuse online than men. ​

P-WOMEN – LACK OF ROLE MODELS​
E-Politics has always been dominated by men while girls and women are often told their place is in the home. It can be off-putting for women if politics is seen as place that is not very welcoming for women.​
E-For example, there has only ever been one female First Minister, with most other parties in the parliament led by men. ​

Question 19

REASONS FOR POOR REPRESENTATION
ETHNIC MINORITIES-RACISIM
ETHNIC MINORITIES-LACK OF ROLE MODELS

Answer 19

P-ETHNIC MINORITIES (HISTORICALLY) - RACISM​
E- Racism may limit the number of candidates picked for an election but it can also put people off getting involved in the first place because of the abuse they face.​
E- The only 2 MSPs in the 2016-2021 parliament – Anas Sarwar and Humza Yousaf gave an interview to the BBC talking about how racism and islamophobia has been getting worse and they regularly receive violent death threats. ​

P-ETHNIC MINORITIES (HISTORICALLY) – LACK OF ROLE MODELS​
E-To those groups that have been marginalised if they look and don’t see people like them in politics then it can be very off putting. Being more likely to have already suffered abuse as a minority they may be very reluctant to put themselves in such a public position if they have not seen how others have survived it successfully.​
E-There were only ever 4 MSPs who are from an ethnic minority group in the first 20 years of the Scottish Parliament. ​

Question 20

REASON REPRESENTATION IS GETTING BETTER

Answer 20

CRECHE FACILITIES-In the Scottish parliament women are encouraged to become MSPs as child care facilities are provided.​
EG-crèche opening hours are​
08.00 - 18.00 Monday to Friday.​

P-ORDER OF NAME ON REGIONAL LIST​
E-Using AMS as an electoral system benefits both women and ethnic minorities as the regional vote uses the list system to choose​
MSPs. Therefore many parties will place women and ethnic minorities at the top of their lists so they are​ more likely to be elected.​
EThe Scottish Labour Party has a rule that every second list of possible candidates who wish to stand for election must be all female. This ensures that 50% of their​ candidates are women.​

P-HOLIDAYS MATCH SCHOOL HOLIDAYS​
E-The Scottish Parliament holidays and school holidays in Scotland match this again is to encourage more women into parliament as they do not need to worry about childcare​ which is very expensive
E-The 2023-24 Scottish Parliament Christmas recess is between 23 December and 7th January which matches the school Christmas holidays.​

Question 21

COMMITTEES-PURPOSE AND ROLE
SCRUTINISE PROPOSED LEGISLATION

Answer 21

P-SCRUTINISE PROPOSED LEGISLATION
E-This means to look very carefully at proposed Bills by going line by line and discussing how it works.​The committee will also gather evidence to support their decision on supporting or rejecting the Bill.​
E-The Health and Sports committee reviewed the Donation Bill before recommending that all of Parliament supports it.​

Question 22

COMMITTEES PURPOSE AND ROLE
CONDUCT INQUIRIES

Answer 22

P-CONDUCT INQUIRIES
E-The committees will gather evidence on an issue, learn any important lessons and make recommendations for the future.​
E-In 2020, the Education and Skills committee opened an enquiry into why some schools are not teaching Modern Studies.​

Question 23

COMMITTEES-PURPOSE/ROLE
Hold government account

Answer 23

P-HOLD GOVERNMENT TO ACCOUNT
E-This means to pay close attention to the work of the Scottish Government and question them on issues that are a concern.​
E-John Swinney who was in charge of education for the government had to explain what has happened with the cancelled exams in 2020 and 2021 and how education continued during the Covid-19 pandemic to the Education and Skills Committee.​

Question 24

COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES
MADE UP OF MEMBERS FROM ALL PARTIES

Answer 24

P-MADE UP OF MEMBERS FROM ALL PARTIES
E-The more members a party has in parliament after an election the more members from that party are on the committee. ​
E-The SNP will have more members than the Conservatives because they won more seats in 2021.​

Question 25

COMMITEES-COMPOSITION
LEADERSHIP IS SHARED BETWEEN PARTIES

Answer 25

P-LEADERSHIP IS SHARED BETWEEN PAFRTIES
E-This is based on the results of the last election. So, the more members of parliament you have the more committees your party will lead. ​
E-For example, for most of the committees the chair is from the SNP.​

Question 26

COMMITEES-COMPOSITION
MEMBERS WILL NOT BE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT​

Answer 26

P-MEMBERS WILL NOT BE MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNMENT​
E-As one of the main roles of the committees in the Scottish Parliament is to scrutinise the work of the Government it will not have members of the government on the committee.​
E-For example, Humza Yousaf as the FM will answer questions to a committee rather than ask questions for a committee. ​

Question 27

ADVANTAGES OF AMS

Answer 27

P-MORE PROPORTIONAL​
E-2 ballot papers - one using FPTP and the other the Party/Regional List using PR.​2nd vote allows the % of vote to be similar to the % of seats which are gained in the Scottish Parliament.​
E-2021 Scottish Parliament elections - SNP gained just under ½ of all votes in Scotland and just under ½ of seats. AMS is almost always more proportional than FPTP.​

P-MORE CHOICE​
E-There are two votes used in AMS and a number of MSPs are elected, one in a constituency and another 7 in each region.​
E-Voters in Eastwood can vote for a constituency candidate like Jackson Carlaw of the Conservatives, but could vote for a totally different party, such as the Green Party, in the second regional vote.​

P-FAIRER TO SMALLER PARTIES​
E-AMS allows small parties (like the Greens) to gain a % of vote which matches the % of seats they have gained by using PR in the second vote.​
E-2021 - Greens gained 8% of the vote and 6% of the seats which is a fairer and more proportional system.​

Question 28

DISADVANTAGES OF AMS

Answer 28

P-TOO CONFUSING (REDUCES VOTER TURNOUT)​
E-AMS features two votes and this can confuse some voters who are used to voting using FPTP in British elections.​
E-2021 Scottish Parliament elections – almost 80,000 votes rejected as the ballots were not completed properly.​

P-CAN REDUCE LINK BETWEEN CONSTITUENCY & CONSTITUENT​
E-The regional MSPs that are elected are not directly voted for by the people, and very few people can hold them accountable for their actions as they do not know who they are.​
E-In Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw is the Constituency MSP, but very few people could name their 7 regional representatives.​Regional MSPs are often seen as 2nd class MSPs.​

P-CAN PRODUCE RESULTS NO ONE AGREED TO​
E-AMS produces coalition governments and no one votes for these on their ballot papers. Some would argue that they are not democratic.​
E-The coalition between SNP and Greens in the 2016 and 2021 elections – nobody voted for.​

Question 29

OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS
HOW INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATE

Answer 29

P-VOTING
E-Can register then vote in local council, Scottish elections and referenda from age 16. ​
This shows what party or issue they support and can kick out a government they do not like to have a say in how the country is run. ​
E-16-17 year olds were the most likely to vote YES in the Scottish Independence Referendum 2014 at 71%.​

P-SOCIAL MEDIA​
E-Can follow, like, reshare or contact politicians and parties on various platforms such as Twitter, FB and Instagram. ​
This is quick and free, campaigns can go viral and will encourage their own followers to pay attention to politics​
E-Scottish Labour spent £200,000 in the 2021 campaign on social media posts alone.​

P-JOIN A PARTY
E- join a party they agree with and believe in. ​
They can help to raise awareness and have them elected by canvassing the community, going door to door, putting up posters or attending party meetings. There is a fee to join.​
E-7500 scots are currently a member of Scottish Greens.​

Question 30

WHY DO PEOPLE VOTE

Answer 30

P-SINGLE/ISSUES/REFERENDA
E-2 hugely significant referenda in recent years 2014 Scottish Independence and 2016 Brexit.​People saw as important and turned out in high numbers.​
E-2014 Independence Referendum turnout - 84.59%​

P-PARTY LOYALTY​
E-Many are members or unofficial supporters of a particular party, therefore, will be likely to turn out to vote for them at election time.​
The SNP 75,000+ members - the largest party membership in Scotland.​
Reflected in their success at elections.​
​

Question 31

ELECTIONS-INDIVIDUALS AND CAMPAIGNING

Answer 31

P-CANVASS THE COMMUNITY​
E-Talk to other voters about their chosen party’s policies. ​Campaign teams are often made up of volunteers.​
E-J. Carlaw visited houses in Newton Mearns with his campaign team to generate votes. ​
Some of these would have been Conservative Party members but others would be members of the pubic who support the party.​

P-ATTEND HUSTINGS (LOCAL DEBATES)​
E-Can attend debates between local candidates during elections. ​Candidates will debate each other and field questions from​
the public.​
E-They are usually held in places like town halls or schools and give voters the chance to hear and question their potential representatives, allowing them to​
make a more informed decision.​

​

READ OR DISTRIBUTE MANIFESTOS & LEAFLETS​
Inform themselves of party policies and promises – inform others.​
Party members and supporters might set up a stall in the local high street – give out information, leaflets, badges etc.​

Question 31

WHY DO PEOPLE NOT VOTE

Answer 31

P-HAVEN’T REGISTERED​
E-Without registering by the cut off date you are not allowed to vote. ​Some may not be aware, may not care or lack online access to register.​
E-2021 saw the highest amount of voter registrations since the opening of the Scottish parliament.​

P-LACK OF ROLE MODELS​
E-Some women, ethnic minorities, LGBT+ groups or disabled people may not want to vote as they feel they have no role models that understand them. ​
E-Only 45% of the Scottish parliament are women, only 6/129 MSPs are ethnic minority and only 1 is a wheelchair user.​

Question 32

ELECTIONS-PARTIES AND CAMPAIGNING

Answer 32

P-LOUDSPEAKER CAR​
E-Drive around towns and cities reminding people to vote for them.​
E-SNP shout ‘both voted for SNP’.​

P-PUBLISH MANIFESTOS & LEAFLETS​
E-Explaining their beliefs and policies.​
E-Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publish their manifesto ‘National Recovery Plan’ in 2021.​

P-CANVASS​
E-Talk to voters, listen to their issues and discuss their election promises.​
E-Jackson Carlaw visited houses in Newton Mearns with his campaign team to generate votes and hear the concerns of voters.​

P-ATTEND HUSTINGS (LOCAL DEBATES)​
E-Candidates attend debates to publicise manifesto policies and beat opponents’ arguments to win over potential voters.​
E-They are usually held in places like town halls or schools and give candidates the chance to convince local people to vote​
or them to become their MSP before elections.​

Question 33

ELECTIONS-PARTIES USE OF MEDIA DURING ELECTIONS

Answer 33

P-PARTY ELECTION BROADCASTS TO PROMOTE MAINFESTO PLEDGES TO VOTERS​
E-TV broadcasts can be an effective way of delivering your main arguments to a large amount of people who may not normally seek out political info.​
E-2021 elections – Scottish Conservatives released a party political broadcast which repeatedly reinforced their pro-UK agenda to try and entice Labour or Lib Dem voters who also support the union.​