Devolution Flashcards
What countries make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?
The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Is the United Kingdom a federal state?
No, the United Kingdom is a unitary state, despite having devolved powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Can the UK Parliament legislate on matters that are devolved to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland?
Yes, the UK Parliament remains sovereign and can legislate on devolved matters, though it generally seeks the consent of the devolved parliaments and assemblies.
What is the difference between the UK and a federal state in terms of devolved powers?
In a federal state, the constitution divides powers between different levels of government. In the UK, powers are delegated to devolved legislatures, and the UK Parliament can revoke these powers.
What is the political impact of devolution in the UK?
Devolution has led to a significant shift from a centralized state to one where power is dispersed across the four countries of the UK.
What was the Scotland Act of 1998?
The Scotland Act of 1998 established the Scottish Parliament and Government, providing them with legislative powers over certain areas such as health, education, and criminal law.
How many members are in the Scottish Parliament?
The Scottish Parliament has 129 members, known as Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
Who appoints the First Minister of Scotland?
The First Minister of Scotland is appointed by the monarch, typically being the leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament.
What power does the Scottish Parliament have over legislation?
The Scottish Parliament has the power to pass primary legislation within its areas of competence. Once a bill is passed and receives royal assent, it becomes an Act of the Scottish Parliament.
What is the social convention regarding the UK Parliament legislating on devolved matters in Scotland?
The social convention is that the UK Parliament will not normally legislate on devolved matters in Scotland without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.
What powers does the Welsh Parliament (Senedd) have?
The Welsh Parliament (Senedd) can legislate in 21 areas, including health, education, housing, and local government. It moved to a reserved powers model in 2017, similar to Scotland.
How is the First Minister of Wales appointed?
The First Minister of Wales is appointed by the monarch, following a nomination by the Senedd.
What is the Northern Ireland Assembly’s role?
The Northern Ireland Assembly, established by the Northern Ireland Act of 1998, has the power to enact primary legislation over transferred matters, excluding reserved matters like defence and international relations.
What was the Good Friday Agreement?
The Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, a North-South Ministerial Council, and a British-Irish Council.
How does the UK Parliament legislate on devolved matters in Northern Ireland?
The UK Parliament seeks the consent of the Northern Ireland Assembly before legislating on devolved matters, although this convention does not have statutory recognition.
