Democracy: Power and Decision-Making Flashcards
Features of a democracy:
Right to vote in regular elections without intimidation, right to voice your opinion/criticise the government, right to protest
Right to vote example
The last Scottish Parliament election was in 2021 and the last UK Parliament election was in 2024
Right to voice your opinion example
Newspapers can support any political party, people can criticise the government and the head of state (King Charles)
Right to protest example
There have been many high-profile protests in Edinburgh and Glasgow campaigning for a ceasefire in Israel/Palestine
Devolved powers
Health, education, law and order
Devolved power health example
In Scotland, prescriptions are free and dental care is free for those under 26
Devolved power education example
In 2022 the Scottish Government announced plans to give ICT devices to all students in Scotland to close the attainment gap
Devolved power law and order example
Scotland has its own unique court verdict ‘Not Proven’
Reserved powers
Defence, immigration, foreign policy
Reserved power defence example
Despite the SNP being opposed to nuclear weapons, the UK’s nuclear arsenal is kept in Scotland
Reserved power immigration example
The Scottish Government must seek permission from the UK government if they want to welcome any more displaced individuals from Russia/Ukraine
Reserved power foreign policy example
Scotland cannot rejoin the European Union despite 62% of Scotland voting to remain in the 2016 referendum
Roles/powers of the First Minister
Lead the Scottish Government, appoint/reshuffle cabinet secretaries and ministers, represent Scotland at home and abroad
Lead the Scottish govt example
In his new years speech, John Swinney announced that tackling poverty was going to be one of the Scottish Government’s main priorities
Appoint/reshuffle cabinet secretaries and ministers example
The First Minister appointed Jenny Gilruth as Education Secretary
Represent Scotland at home and abroad example
In 2024 John Swinney went to the Euros in Germany to support Scotland/make Scotland seem like a supportive country
First minister not powerful
Only as powerful as his party in Parliament, the FM can be removed by members of his party if they are unhappy, the FM does not have control over reserved powers
FM only as powerful as party in parliament example
The SNP is a minority government, and the FM had to agree to a deal with the Greens so that their governments budget passed each year since 2016
FM can be removed example
If the SNP were unhappy with John Swinney, they could ask him to resign or they could force the party to hold a leadership contest, which, if he lost, he would not be able to stay on as FM.
FM no control over reserved powers example
Despite the SNP being against nuclear weapons, the UK’s nuclear arsenal is kept in Scotland
