democracy in scotland

Question 1

one key feature of scottish democracy is that governments are elected by people.

Answer 1

this means that the citizens of scotland choose the people they want to run the country on their behalf such as Mps, Msps and local councillors. this also means that citizens can choose to vote their representative out if they feel they aren’t doing a good job.

for example, the most recent elections in scotland were the Uk general election in 2019 the worries parliamentary election in 2021 and the local council election in 2022

Question 2

another key feature of scottish democracy is that citizens have political rights.

Answer 2

political rights are the rights that allow citizens to participate in the politics of scotland and how decisions are made. political rights include the right to vote, the right to join a political party the right to join a pressure group the right to freedom of speech and right to protest.

for example, over 100,000 people exercised their right to protest during COP26 in glasgow about inaction over the climate emergency.

Question 3

another key feature of scottish democracy is that free speech is supported.

Answer 3

this means citizens in scotland are free to express themselves and their opinions openly. in addition, citizens of a democracy are able to voice their support for or criticise the government and their actions.

for example, many people and media outlets have been critical of how humza Yousaf has continued to push for scottish independence despite the uk government another referendum and shared views online in newspapers and on TV without the government stopping them

Question 4

one devolved power of the scottish parliament is Education.

Answer 4

this matter is about making sure the education system in scotland was running well with good quality buildings and enough teachers.the scottish parliament had control over the entire education system in scotland for primary, secondary and further education.

for example, school closures in scotland during the COVID-19 pandemic were put in place by the Scottish government.

Question 5

one developed power of the scottish Parliament is health.

Answer 5

this matter is about making sure the people of scotland are as healthy as they can be and have the services they need such as hospitals and access to treatment. the Scottish Parliament has control over how the patients in scotland are treated and how much money is spent every year on NHS scotland.

for example, the scottish parliament chose how to roll out the COVID vaccine programme separately from the rest of the uk

Question 6

one developed power of the scottish Parliament is Law and order.

Answer 6

this area of responsibility relates to maintaining peace and safety in scotland including the running of the police and courts service in Scotland as well as the powers they have.

for example, scottish courts have three verdicts - guilty not guilty and not proven this is different to england where they only have guilty or not guilty.

Question 7

one reserved power of the Uk parliament is immigration.

Answer 7

the UK parliament maintains control over the borders of all counties in the UK including scotland in the interests of promoting national security and controlling international relations.

for example, scotland cannot choose to welcome more refugees from ukraine unless it is allowed by the Uk parliament

Question 8

one reserved power of the uk parliament is defence.

Answer 8

The UK parliament maintains control over all british military forces and makes decisions about how they are deployed.

for example, the scottish parliament does not have the power to join ukraine in a war against russia only the uk parliament can do that

Question 9

one reserved power of the UK parliament is foreign policy.

Answer 9

the Uk parliament maintains control over negotiating trade deals with other countries which impacts exports from and imports to the whole of the UK they also decide how the UK will treat other countries around the world and can issue sanctions.

for example, scotland would need to become and independent country to create trade deals separate from the rest of the UK

Question 10

One role of the First Minister is to lead the Scottish Government.

Answer 10

this means that they are responsible for running the country and setting out the priorities for their term in government.The First Minister will set the agenda for meetings and decide timescales for policies.

for example, in april 2023 Humza yousaf set out the policy prospects for his Government with priorités of equality opportunity and community at their heart.

Question 11

one role of the first minister is to represent scotland at home and abroad.

Answer 11

The first minister will regularly travel to other countries to represent and promote Scotland as a place to live and do businesses with. this helps to maintain and create jobs.

for example, in May 2023 Humza Yousaf met prime minister pakistan sharif declaring a commitment to further strengthen historic ties between pakistan and scotland.

Question 12

One role of the First minister is to appoint and reshuffle cabinet ministers.

Answer 12

The first minister will choose their cabinet as first minister they will select other Msps from the scottish parliament to take responsibility for the different departments of the scottish Goverment. in addition the First minister can reshuffle members from the cabinet essentially the FM can hire and fire the government cabinet.

for example, in 2023 Humza Yousaf appointed Gliruth as his Cabinet secretary for Education and skills

Question 13

arguments for
1. leader of the Scottish Government
2. Appoint and remove cabinet members.
3. Approve deals with other parties

Answer 13

1. for example nicola surgeon approved a deal with the scottish greens to pass the budget to allow under 22-year olds will have free bus travel
2. for example John Swinney had been appointed as the deputy First minister and cabinet Secretary for Covid Recovery as he has been a loyal ally to Nicola suregeon.
3. For example, Nicola surgeon approved the scottish Goverments responses and rules during the Covid-19 pandemic these were sometimes different from
   those in england.

Question 14

The first minister is not very powerful

arguments Against

1. Only responsible for devolved matters
2. sometimes needs to agree deals to pass bills.
3. must answer to parliament

Answer 14

1. for example during the COVID-19 pandemic scotland coukd not close the borders to international travel or pay people to stay at home as only Westminister prime minster have that power.
2. for example, each week nicola sturgeon takes part in first ministers questions time on a thursday at 12pm.
3. For example, the first minister has had to agree a deal with the greens each year since 2016 so that the budget could be passed.

Question 15

one right individuals have in a democracy is the right to join a party and the responsibility is that they should support the party.

Answer 15

this means people are able to join a political party that reflects their values and share the same vision for Scotland as they do , and they can help them to win seats and influence others through taking part in party activities.

for example, over 100,000 people in scotland are members of political parties with the SNP being the biggest party.

Question 16

one right individuals have in a democracy is the right to join a pressure group and the responsibility is that they should not break the law.

Answer 16

this means people who feel passionately about an issue are able to join a pressure groups to help them influence public opinion and pressure the Government to change the law, but they must ensure that they do not break laws in case they hurt others or undermine their cause.

for example, anti monarchy pressure group Republic protested peacefully against the coronation of King charles in May 2023

Question 17

one right people have in a democracy is free speech and the responsibility is not to use hate speech.

Answer 17

people in scotland can express their opinion and criticize the government without the fear of being punished but they must use discrimination language against others,

for example , certain songs canot be sung football matches in scotland because they are classed as sectarian

Question 18

another right that individuals have is the right to protest and the responsibility to obey the law and peacefully.

Answer 18

this means that people in scotland are allowed to gather in large groups to protest about something important to them. however they should notify the police in advance and follow laws.

for example, in october 2022 thousands of people protested in glasgow against the rising cost of living

Question 19

people can participate in scottish politics through voting.

Answer 19

scottish citizens can choose from a range of candidates who they think will best represent the interests of their local area providing them with an opportunity to have their views represented in the decision making process.

for example in 2021 scottish parliament election Kaukab stewart SNP was elected as the constituency MSP for Glasgow kelvin

Question 20

another way in which people can participate in scottish politics is by joining a political party.

Answer 20

as a party member you can attend party meetings express your opinions help to shape party policy and vote for the party leader.

for example m’embêtes of the scottish labour party voted for Anas Sarwar to become leader of the party in 2021

Question 21

another way in which people can participate in scottish politics is through social media.

Answer 21

all you need is internet access to create a social media account and engage in political debate you can share political opinions and interact with those who agree or disagree with you and you can get direct contact with politicians.

for example, Humza Yousaf is on twitter as are most scottish politicians to try and get the support of scottish voters.

Question 22

people can participate in scottish politics through standing as a candidate themselves.

Answer 22

this means that individuals can put themselves forward to represent an area ans argue why they should get votes over the other candidates they can make arguments on how they would promote the best interests of their constituency.

for example Nicola sturgeon stiff as a candidate in the 2021 scottish parliament and was elected as an MSP to represent glasgow southside.

Question 23

people can participate in scottish elections through canvassing.

Answer 23

this means that individuals can support their favoured parties and candidates by going door to door and convincing other citizens to vote for them canvassers will promote the policies.

for example SNP members canvassed for Humza yousaf for glasgow pollock in 2021

Question 24

people can participate in scottish elections through making a donation.

Answer 24

this means that individuals can make a financial contribution to their favoured party / candidate which can be used to finance their election campaign. funds could be used for advertising campaigns.

for example, the scottish Labour party encouraged individuals to donate to the party in the lead up to the 2021 scottish parliament elections.