Devolution

Question 1

Define ‘quasi federalism’.

Answer 1

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)

Question 2

In what year were the Scottish and Welsh assemblies established?

Answer 2

1999.

Question 3

What did the Scotland Act 2012 do?

Answer 3

Devolved tax raising powers

Question 4

What did the Scotland Act 2016 do?

Answer 4

Devolves further powers i.e. allows Scotland to change its electoral system.

Question 5

What happened in Northern Ireland in 2017?

Answer 5

Collapse of power sharing agreement. NI Assembly is suspended.

Question 6

Give 2 arguments in favour of an English Parliament.

Answer 6

Arguments in favour:

✔ Reduce London-centrism

✔ Regional assemblies would replace unaccountable, bureaucratic ‘Quangos’

Question 7

Give some arguments against an English Parliament.

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Has Devolution in Scotland been a success?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

Has Devolution been a success in Wales?

Answer 9

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%.

Question 10

why devolution doesn’t threaten parliamentary sovereignty

Answer 10

1. Constitutional Framework: Devolution operates within a constitutional framework that outlines extent of powers devolved to regional bodies.
2. Reserved Powers: reservation of defence, foreign affairs, and monetary policy to the central gov
3. Intergovernmental cooporation: Regional gov still rely on Parliament for funding, legislative approval etc