Politics

Question 1

What is the Devolution?

Answer 1

In 1997, the Labour party won the UK general election and formed the UK government. They had a manifesto promise to hold a referendum (a public vote over one decision) on giving Scotland a parliament of its own. The referendum passed and the Scottish Parliament was set up in 1999.

Question 2

Devolved matters and Reserved Matters?

Answer 2

Scottish Parliament was set up to work alongside the UK parliament in making decisions for Scotland.
The power to make laws only affecting certain areas such as Scotland were given over to Scottish Parliament. This is known as DEVOLVED POWERS.
EXAMPLE: education is a devolved matter. This means Scotland can create its own education policy. Only students in Scotland study National 5 and Modern studies.
UK parliament retains the power to make laws about areas that affect the whole of the UK or have an international impact. This is called RESERVED POWERS.

Question 3

UK parliament and Scottish Parliament?

Answer 3

○ UK Parliament has evolved into two houses: House of Lords and House of Commons
○This is called a bicameral.
○ In each chamber the government and opposition sit on opposite benches facing each other - encourages confrontation.

○In the Scottish parliament there is only one house with no equivalent to the house of lords.
○ This is called unicameral
○ In the Scottish parliament chamber, MSPs sit in a semi-circular arrangement - encourages cooperation

Question 4

Parliament and Government?

Answer 4

○ The party (or parties in a coalition) that has the most MPs or MSPs elected forms the Government.
○ This is the institution which runs the country and introduces the most bills in the country.
○ Leader of the winning party becomes the Prime minister (In the UK) and is officially asked by the Queen to form the government.
○ In Scotland, the first minister is elected from amongst the MSPs after each Scottish election.

Question 5

What is the cabinet?

Answer 5

The cabinet is the central group of government members. It coordinates the work of different government departments and decides government policy.
○ UK cabinet has about 20 members
○ Scottish cabinet has about 10 members.

Question 6

What is collective responsibility?

Answer 6

When the cabinet meetings happen in private and individual members must support the decisions that the cabinet makes.

Question 7

Examples of Devolved matters?

Answer 7

○ Education and training
○ Health and social services
○ Local Government
○ Tourism and economic development
○ Transport
○ Environment

Question 8

Examples of Reserved Matters?

Answer 8

○ Benefits and Social security
○ Immigration
○ Defence
○ Employment
○ Foreign policy
○ Nuclear energy, oil, coal, gas and electricity
○ Trade and Industry

Question 9

Levels of Decision Making?

Answer 9

Local issue - decision made by local authority or council: your representatives is local councillors (3 or 4)
Scottish issue -decision is made by the Scottish Parliament: representatives are constituency MSP and regional MSPs (7)
National Issue (UK) - made by UK Parliament: representatives are constituency MP
European issue - decision made by European Parliament: representative Scotland’s MEPs (6)