Key Terms

Question 1

Assembly

Answer 1

This is the northern ireland legislature made up of 90 members (MLAs)

Question 2

Consociational

Answer 2

A form of democracy considered ideal for divided societies with 4 key features
- Proportional voting system
- Cultural equality
- Mutual veto
- Power sharing executive

Question 3

democratic deficit

Answer 3

This refers to the way NI was governed under direct rule through secondary legislation which doesnt receive full parliamentary scrutiny

Question 4

devolution

Answer 4

the redistribution of political power to a regional parliament which will have precise areas of control

Question 5

D’hondt system

Answer 5

the system used to allocate seats in constituencies and to award ministerial posts in the NI executive

Question 6

Parallel consent

Answer 6

a method used to ensure cross-community support for a measure being debated in the assembly (50% of those present must support it and 50% of both unionist and nationalist mlas)

Question 7

petition of concern

Answer 7

Unique to Ni meant to stop discriminatory legislation being passed
30 MLAs can sign a PoC which means a piece of legislation is designated a key decision and becomes harder to pass.
this has been abused by both DUP and SF

Question 8

PR-STV

Answer 8

the method of election used in NI to elect councillors and MLAs

Question 9

Statutory committee

Answer 9

unique to NI. these committees can carry out both legislative and scrutiny roles (combining public bill and select committees into one)

Question 10

Weighted majority

Answer 10

a cross community voting tool which requires 60% of those present in the assembly to support a measure and 40% of both unionists and nationalists