Devolution in the UK Flashcards
What type of democracy is the UK?
Representative democracy- elected MPs represent the electorate
What is a federal democracy?
Country divided into separate political units, each with a considerable autonomy over its own affairs (USA)
The Uk is also a unitary democracy, what is a unitary democracy?
The bulk of power remains in a central government (e.g Westminster)
What does devolution in the UK mean?
The transferring of power from London to the nations in the UK
What could more devolution mean for the UK?
Could transform the UK from a unitary to a federal nation- bringing an end to the Parliamentary sovereignty in Westminster
What are some of the RESERVED POWERS that Parliament controls?
- Constitutional matters
- UK defence and national security
- Foreign Policy
- Immigration
- Energy
- Some parts of transport
Describe Scotland’s Parliament
- 129 members elected every 4 years
- 56 elected through proportional representation
- 73 using FPTP
Describe Welsh Parliament
- 60 members elected every 4 years
- 40 using FPTP
- 20 using PR
- Results in Welsh gov led by leader of majority party
Describe NI Parliament
- Has a Presiding Officer
- Supported by an Exec, and First Minister from largest party
Who develops the gov’s foreign policy?
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
What does the Foreign Commonwealth Office do?
“It promotes the UK’s interests overseas, supporting our citizens and businesses around the globe”
What are the responsibilities of the FCO?
- Fostering good relationships with other nations through diplomacy
- Safeguarding the UK’s national security by countering terrorism and weapons proliferation, and working to reduce conflict
- Building the UK’s prosperity by increasing exports and investment etc
- Supporting the British nationals around the world through modern and efficient consular services
What is the EU?
- The largest free trading area in the world with a combined population of 500 million
- It negotiates trade deals and sets tariffs with the rest of the world on behalf of its member states
When did the UK leave the EU?
January 31, 2021
What are the issues linked with Brexit?
- Labour shortages linked restrictions on freedom of movement
- Securing trade deals and impact on the economy
- Rights of EU citizens in UK/UK citizens in the EU
- NI border and impact on movement of goods
- Impact on future cooperation in crime and security e.g exchange of info
What does the Department for International Trade do?
- Secure UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment- championing free trade
- Attempts to secure new deals post Brexit
Who have new trade deals been made with
EU, Australia, Japan, Norway, Liechtenstein
What is the WTO? (World Trade Organisation)
- 164 member states
- Forum for govs to negotiate trade agreements
- Attempts to settle trade disputes
- Operates a system of trade rules
- If countries don’t have free trade agreements with each other, they’re under WTO rules
How many countries make up the International Monetary Fund?
189
What are the aims if the International Monetary Fund?
– Working together to foster global monetary cooperation
– Secures financial stability
– Facilitates international trade
– Promote high employment and sustainable economic growth
– Reduce poverty around the world
What is NATO?
28 countries- originally formed as a way of preventing/deterring invasion of Europe by the then Soviet Union and its Allies
What is the UN?
- Set up after WW2
- Aims to reduce conflict and tensions and promote development and co-operation
- Members accept UN Charter- sets out basic terms of international relations
What are the 5 main bodies of the UN?
– General Assembly – Security Council based in New York – Secretariat – Economic and Social Council – Trusteeship Council
