Democracy: Most Effective Way To Govern Scotland

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

There are many different views about the most effective was to govern Scotland. Scotland is currently a part of the United Kingdom, ruled by the UK Government but with some devolved powers. Scotland has its own government and the ability to make decisions on devolved matters, however important issues such as taxation and immigration are reserved for Westminster, and Scottish Government can overrule by the UK Government. Currently, Scotland is led by First Minister John Swinney and the Scottish National Party, who first gained power in 2017. This essay will examine the arguments for and against Scotland being governed as the status quo, an independent country and a devolved country, devolution max.

Question 2

Point (Retaining Status Quo)

Answer 2

One argument for how Scotland should be run is to maintain the status quo, meaning that Scotland would remain a part of the United Kingdom with a devolved government.

Question 3

First Explanation (Retaining Status Quo)

Answer 3

Those who advocate for this believe that the current system of a devolved government is the fairest and most effective way to govern Scotland as it is the will of the Scottish people.

Question 4

First Evidence (Retaining Status Quo)

Answer 4

This is shown as in the 2014 independence referendum 55% of the Scottish Electorate voted against independence.

Question 5

First Analysis (Retaining Status Quo)

Answer 5

This means that the Scottish people chose to retain the current system and reject independence.

Question 6

Rebuttal Point (Retaining Status Quo)

Answer 6

Furthermore, people also support the system of devolution as it allows Scotland to make decisions on some important devolved matters while still having the security of being a member of the UK.

Question 7

Second Example (Retaining Status Quo)

Answer 7

For example, the Labour Party argue that by having devolved powers such as health, education and some tax raising abilities is the ‘best of both worlds’ for Scotland.

Question 8

Second Analysis (Retaining Status Quo)

Answer 8

This suggests that some groups do not view independence as the best alternative to govern Scotland as the Scottish Parliament already have law making powers while still remaining within the framework of the UK.

Question 9

Evaluation (Retaining Status Quo)

Answer 9

Therefore, Scotland continuing to be governed as it is now the favoured approach, exemplified by the voting results in 2014 and further illustrated by the success of how Scotland has been run thus far, suggesting that the continuation of the status quo is an effective way to govern Scotland.

Question 10

Point (Independence)

Answer 10

Some argue that independence is the best way to govern Scotland.

Question 11

Explanation (Independence)

Answer 11

This would mean that Scotland would be fully responsible for any and all the decisions made and powers used in Scotland. Proponents of this argue that Westminster does not listen to the people of Scotland and often act against the wishes of the democratically elected Scottish Parliament.

Question 12

First Example (Independence)

Answer 12

For example, in 2023, the UK Government blocked the Scottish Government from including glass as part of its deposit return scheme. This is despite the Scottish Government being in favour of including this. The First Minister said Westminster undermined the Scottish Parliament and the devolved powers doing this.

Question 13

Analysis (Independence)

Answer 13

This highlights an area in which Westminster is able to undermine the Scottish Government and overrule the wishes of the democratically elected Scottish Governments wishes. Those in favour of Scottish independence argue that this highlights the fact that the current devolution settlement is unfair to Scotland and see independence as a solution to this.

Question 14

Rebuttal (Independence)

Answer 14

On the other hand, other groups argue that Scottish Independence will lead to trade disruptions between Scotland and the rest of the UK who are its biggest trade partners. Critics of Scottish Independence within the Conservative Party have argued that there could be disruptions to trade due to the trade deals needing to be re-negotiated and the possibility of trade barriers being put in place.

Question 15

Second Example (Independence)

Answer 15

This is supported by an article published by the Economic Observatory which argued that if Scotland was to become independent there would need to be a new international border between Scotland and the rest of the UK, making it more difficult for Scottish businesses due to ‘border costs’ and tariffs being put in place. It is estimated that border costs could increase by between 15-30% if Scotland were to become independent.

Question 16

Second Analysis (Independence)

Answer 16

This suggests that Scottish Independence could lead to economic uncertainty for Scottish business owners and how they trade with the rest of the UK. This could have a negative economic impact on Scotland in the event of independence.

Question 17

Evaluation (Independence)

Answer 17

Therefore, while Scottish Independence allows for more governmental freedoms and give it full political power to the democratically elected political party in Scotland, the economic drawbacks, however, particularly when inflation and tax are so high already, makes this an effective yet contentious way to govern Scotland.

Question 18

Point (Devolution Max)

Answer 18

It could also be argued that the most effective way to govern Scotland would be for Scotland to adopt Devolution Max.

Question 19

Explanation (Devolution Max)

Answer 19

This is the scenario where Scotland would have the maximum level of devolved powers without having full independence.

Question 20

First Example (Devolution Max)

Answer 20

For example, this would mean that the Scottish Parliament would have full control over taxation, immigration laws and social security matters, issues that are currently reserved to Westminster.

Question 21

First Analysis (Devolution Max)

Answer 21

This shows that the implementation of Devolution Max in Scotland would significantly expand the powers of the Scottish Parliament while still affording Scotland the economic, political and social benefits of being in the UK.

Question 22

Rebuttal Point (Devolution Max)

Answer 22

However, those opposed to Devolution Max may argue that it risks fragmenting the unity of the United Kingdom.

Question 23

Second Example (Devolution Max)

Answer 23

For example, critics of Devolution Max may argue that it grants too much power to Devolved Nations which could lead to increasing divergence in policy areas between the various Nations in the United Kingdom.

Question 24

Second Analysis (Devolution Max)

Answer 24

This could create challenges in maintaining a cohesive National framework between the Nations of the United Kingdom.

Question 25

Evaluation (Devolution Max)

Answer 25

Therefore, Devolution Max would grant Scotland both full legislative power and governmental control, it would also allow Scotland to retain the security and economic benefits of being a part of the United Kingdom, illustrating that this is an effective way to govern Scotland as it provides Scotland with ‘the best of both worlds’.

Question 26

Conclusion

Answer 26

In summation, Scottish independence would be a good way to govern Scotland as it allows for the democratically elected Scottish Parliament to have full legislative and governmental power, but the economic effects of independence makes the idea precarious and contentious. On the other hand, both retaining the status quo and implementing Devolution Max would allow the democratically elected Scottish Parliament some or all legislative and governmental powers whilst also allowing Scotland to retain the economic and social benefits of being a part of the United Kingdom. Overall, there are many different views on the most effective way to govern Scotland, all of which have both advantages and drawbacks. Scottish independence, whilst having major drawbacks such as trade disruptions, could also be very advantageous for Scotland, however the security afforded by both Devolution Max and maintaining the status quo make them the favoured ways to govern Scotland by the Scottish public.