Devolution Flashcards
Define ‘quasi federalism’.
System of Devolution:
Power is delegated from the central government to sub-national governments whilst the central government still retains reserved powers.
(e.g national assemblies)
In what year were the Scottish and Welsh assemblies established?
1999.
What did the Scotland Act 2012 do?
Devolved tax raising powers
What did the Scotland Act 2016 do?
Devolves further powers i.e. allows Scotland to change its electoral system.
What happened in Northern Ireland in 2017?
Collapse of power sharing agreement. NI Assembly is suspended.
Give 2 arguments in favour of an English Parliament.
Arguments in favour:
✔ Reduce London-centrism
✔ Regional assemblies would replace unaccountable, bureaucratic ‘Quangos’
Give some arguments against an English Parliament.
Arguments against:
❌ Lack of empathy for such issue - e.g. 2004 North East referendum was rejected 78%
❌ Electoral reform lacks empathy from voters e.g. AV referendum - 42% turnout.
Has Devolution in Scotland been a success?
Yes:
✔ Policy tailored to the electorate
✔ 75% of Scots have a favourable view.
✔ Extend the franchise to 16 year olds.
No:
❌ Un-United Kingdom
- 2010 = 28% want independence compared to 48% in 2021.
Has Devolution been a success in Wales?
Yes:
✔ 2003 - first 50/50 gender split legislative body in the world - representative.
No:
❌ YouGov - 40% have an unfavourable view of Senedd’s governance.
❌ Welsh NHS has an avoidable mortality rate of 16%.
why devolution doesn’t threaten parliamentary sovereignty
- Constitutional Framework: Devolution operates within a constitutional framework that outlines extent of powers devolved to regional bodies.
- Reserved Powers: reservation of defence, foreign affairs, and monetary policy to the central gov
- Intergovernmental cooporation: Regional gov still rely on Parliament for funding, legislative approval etc
