Democracy - Powers & Decision Making

Question 1

Describe, in detail, two key features of a democracy.

Answer 1

• Political rights, citizens have the right to participate in politics in Scotland. For example; people have used their right to protest to make their views known to leaders.
• Free Speech, citizens in Scotland can criticise their government without fear of being arrested if they do not use hate speech. For example; racist groups can protest without government interference if they refrain from using hate speech.

Question 2

Describe, in detail, two devolved matters.

Answer 2

• Education, MSP’s can implement changes to the Scottish education system. For example; cancelling exams in 2020 due to covid.
• Health, MSP’s decide on funding and plans for NHS Scotland. For example; free prescriptions for all.

Question 3

Describe, in detail, two reserved matters.

Answer 3

• Defence and national security, Westminister decides on matters relating to warfare.
• Broadcasting, Westminister has the power to change what is broadcasted on TV and Radio.

Question 4

Describe, in detail, two roles of the First Minister.

Answer 4

• Public information briefings, during the pandemic the FM informed the public of covid related news. For example; from March 2020 the FM gave regular covid briefings.
• Appointing other ministers, the FM chooses who is in charge of each government department. For example; John Swinney has been appointed deputy FM.

Question 5

Describe, in detail, two powers of the FM.

Answer 5

• Appoint other ministers, the FM chooses who is in charge of each government department. For example; John Swinney has been appointed deputy FM.
• Representative of Scotland, the FM is the face of Scotland and Scotland’s foreign interests. For example; at COP26 she met with US president Joe Biden.