Democracy in Scotland Flashcards
What are the devolved powers of the scottish parliament and give examples of how they are utilised
Health - Pay and conditions of nurses
Education - SQA curriculum
Transport - Road safety
Housing - Public sector housing strategy
Environment- protecting scotland’s environment
Agriculture- Animal welfare, fishing
What are some powers that still remain reserved to westminster and provide examples
Constitutional issues- electoral systems and the union
Foreign Policy - Treaties with other countries
Defence Policy- The army, Trident
Social Security- Welfare benefit levels
Economic policy- general taxation, VAT levels
What did the commission of scottish devolution do ?
they felt that scotland required more power so it published a report in 2009 saying that scotland required more power over taxation, money borrowing, drink driving laws, air gun legislation and elections in scotland. These powers were passed as law in 2012 and came into place in 2016.
What did the Smith Commission do?
After the Scotland Act 2012 was passed due to the commission on scottish devolution, it was thought that scotland still deserved more power so the smith commission said that they should be able to decide the voting age, make discretionary payments in any area of welfare without getting permission from the DfW&P and have increased borrowing powers and lots more. It’s unknown how many of these powers will be met by westminster
What is the scottish parliament and where is it based ?
The Scottish parliament is located in Holyrood, in Edinburgh. Elections are help every 5 years and elected representatives are known as MSP’s. Within the parliament, MSPs can hold debates and introduce new laws. It has responsibilities of spending a budget and has set up committees to support its work when required. It can also vary income tax by 10p to the £.
What is the role of the presiding officer ?
The presiding officer overseas the procedures in the SP. It’s their job to ensure rules are followed and MSPs conduct themselves appropriately. They also chair the parliamentary bureau which decided on the business programme for the parliament and it’s committed
what is the job of the scottish government ? who is the first minister
the scottish government is the party or parties within the scottish parliament that has the most seats. The first minister is the leader of the party with the most seats. Right now it is nicola sturgeon.
What are the responsibilities of the first minister
represent scotland at home and abroad
determine the number of scottish cabinet ministers and their responsibilities
setting the priorities of the government
Chairing meetings of the scottish cabinet
Appointing law officers and judges of scotland’s highest courts
What are key differences in the SP and the SG
The SP scrutinises the work and policies of the SG
The SG is responsible for formulating and implementing policies on devolved matters
The SG includes civil servants whilst the SP contains public servants
The SG introduces bills that are considered by the SP
The first minister is head of the SG whilst the presiding officer chairs meeting in the SP
How do the SG and the SP fit together
these two fit together as the people of scotland elect 129 MSPs, then the MSPs elect one MSP to be first minister. The FM then appoints cabinet secretaries and ministers but only with the approval of the parliament. The SG is then accountable to the parliament and both are accountable to the People of scotland
In what ways does the SP hold the SG to account
- use of committees where they can amend, pass and reject bills
- utilise FMQ on thursdays
- through written questions
- debating in the chamber
However Sewel motions are an example of how parliament are not always able to hold the gvmy to account
What are Sewel Motions and provide an example of one.
These are an example of parliament failing to hold the government to account as they require no discussion and allow the gvmt to simply change laws.
For example, in 2010, the equality act attempted to modernise the law against various types of discrimination.
What are mandatory committees
They are concerned with the operation of the parliament. They are always in session and there are usually 8 people.
What are subject committees?
They can change overtime in terms of their number and subject. They shadow the work of the scottish gvmt departments. They usually have around 7-11 members and gather and give advise to gvmt on issues. They also have the power to call ministers before the committee.
What are bill committees
They focus on specific pieces of legislation that require greater attention. It’s required by parliament that these committees be set up and they are disbanded once the bill passes through.
