Devolution Flashcards
What is Devolution?
Devolution is the process by which powers and responsibilities are transferred from the central government to regional or local governments. In the UK, it refers specifically to the delegation of powers from the UK Parliament to the governments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, allowing them to make decisions on a range of issues.
What are the roles, powers, and responsibilities of the different devolved bodies in the UK?
Scottish Parliament: Handles education, health, justice, transport, and some aspects of taxation.
Welsh Parliament (Senedd): Oversees health, education, and local government, with powers in areas like agriculture and the environment.
Northern Ireland Assembly: Manages health, education, and justice, along with various other devolved matters, requiring cross-community agreement in decision-making.
To what extent does devolution exist currently in England?
Devolution in England is limited and varies by region. Greater London has a mayor and assembly, while other areas have combined authorities. Unlike Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there is no separate English parliament.
Should devolution be introduced in England?
Proponents argue it would improve local governance and representation, while opponents believe it could lead to fragmentation and complicate governance across the UK.
What impact has devolution had on the government of the UK?
Devolution has led to increased regional autonomy, policy divergence across the UK, and strengthened national identities in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Why has the British constitution been traditionally described as unitary?
The UK constitution is considered unitary because it is centralized, with sovereignty resting in the UK Parliament, which can theoretically overrule devolved governments.
What is federalism?
Federalism is a system of governance where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (like states or provinces), each having its own laws and governance.
What is the difference between devolution and federalism?
Devolution involves the transfer of powers from a central government to regional governments, which can be revoked. Federalism establishes a constitutionally defined division of powers between levels of government, which is often more permanent.
What is STV?
STV (Single Transferable Vote) is a proportional voting system used in some elections in the UK, allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference.
Why is devolution in the UK a process?
Devolution is a process because it has evolved over time through legislation, negotiations, and referendums, with ongoing discussions about its extent and implications.
What are the three key legislations that helped with devolution for Scotland?
The Scotland Act 1998, the Scotland Act 2012, and the Scotland Act 2016
What were the seven key acts that helped with devolution for Wales?
The Government of Wales Act 1998, the Government of Wales Act 2006, the Wales Act 2014, the Wales Act 2017, and the Wales Act 2018 (among others).
What was key for the devolution of Ireland?
The Good Friday Agreement (Belfast Agreement) of 1998 was crucial, establishing the Northern Ireland Assembly and setting the framework for power-sharing.
: Why does the executive and assembly have power-sharing embedded in its structure?
Power-sharing is designed to ensure cooperation between Unionist and Nationalist communities, promoting stability and inclusivity in governance.
What are key features of each devolved legislature?
Scottish Parliament: Proportional representation, significant legislative powers.
Welsh Parliament: Smaller, with some legislative powers but evolving authority.
Northern Ireland Assembly: Power-sharing structure, significant community representation.
