Democracy In Scotland Flashcards
Key features of a democracy
Citizen elected government
Freedom of speech
Regular and free elections
Devolved matters
Only affects people on Scotland
Scottish parliaments responsibility
Education, health, environment
Reserved matters
Affects people across uk or how the uk works with other countries
Responsibility of uk parliament
Defence, air travel, money
Job of first minister
Lead Scottish government
Appoint cabinet secretary’s
Represent Scotland
Attend first ministers questions
Role of individuals in elections
Listen to different arguments
Vote
Stand to be elected
Job of media in elections
Inform the public
Scrutinise
Promote parties
Role of parties in an election
Prepare for government
Campaign
Produce manifesto and policies
What does an msp do in parliament
Debate
Vote and make amendments
Attend fmq
Electoral system
System where the public vote in elections
Role of msp in a constituency
Appear in media
Attend meetings
Hold surgeries
Attend visits
Constituency
Area elected politician represents
Additional member system
1 vote for constituency member
2nd vote for party
How many msps in Scottish parliament?
129
How many constituency’s are there in Scotland?
73
How many regions is Scotland divided into and how many msps are elected for each region
Eight sections
Seven per section
How many of the 129 msps are regional
56
Advantages of additional member system
Fairer
Gives minor parties a chance
More choice
Disadvantages of additional member system
Leads to unstable government
Creates conflict
It’s confusing
Under represented groups
Women - sexism
LGBT - homophobia
Ethnic minorities - racism
Influence of media
Inform
Entertain
Educate
Influence and persuade
Types of media
Broadcast
Print
New media
Role of broadcast media
To inform
Not be biased
Must show balance of debates
Role of print media
To influence
Can be biased
Encourage readers to support specific parties
Role of new media
Persuade Influence Inform Can be biased Everyone has platform to give opinion
Media methods used in politics
Televised debates
First ministers questions
Role of committees
Consider petitions
Investigate current issues
Qualities needed to be a political representative
Decision making skills
Confidence
Team working
Pressure groups
Influence parliament
Strong belief
