Devolution

Question 1

What is reserved powers model and what functions are retained by the UK Parliament?

Answer 1

Scottish Parliament has the power to legislate on all matters that are it expressly reserved to Westminster - matters including healthcare, education, civil, criminal and local government.

Responsibility of the constitution, foreign policy and defence are retained by the UK Parliament.

Question 2

Sewel convention

Answer 2

Westminster would not normally legislate on devolved matters in Scotland without the consent of the Scottish Parliament.

This convention was extended to wales and Northern Ireland.

Does not effect parliamentary sovereignty.

Question 3

Can Scotland, wales and Northern Ireland amend acts of UK Parliament?

Answer 3

Yes provided it only relates to their country and they have the legislative competence to do so.

Question 4

Devolution

Answer 4

Transfer or delegation of power to a lower level.

UK Parliament has granted increasing powers to the devolved legislatures - Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.