Possible alternatives for the governance of Scotland Flashcards
When was the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum?
18th September 2014
What question was asked in the 2014 referendum?
Should Scotland be an independent country?
What was the result of the 2014 referendum?
55.3% No, 44.7% Yes
What was the voter turnout in 2014?
84.6%
What did the UK government do after the 2014 referendum?
Passed the Scotland Act 2016, granting more devolved powers
What reignited the independence debate in 2016?
Brexit
How did Scotland vote in the Brexit referendum?
62% voted to remain in the EU
What argument did the SNP make after Brexit?
Political circumstances had changed, justifying IndyRef2
What was the UK government’s stance on IndyRef2?
Rejected it, calling 2014 a “once in a generation” vote
What is the principle of self-determination?
A nation’s right to control its own decisions
What powers does Westminster currently control?
Foreign affairs, defence, and parts of economic policy
Why do supporters say independence allows better representation?
Scottish decisions would reflect Scottish priorities
What is one example of Scotland voting differently from the UK?
Voting Remain in the 2016 EU referendum
What EU-related benefit might independence bring?
Possibility of rejoining the EU
What economic power would independence give Scotland?
Control over taxation, trade, and key resources
What industries could an independent Scotland focus on?
Renewable energy, tourism, and technology
How much of Europe’s offshore wind potential does Scotland have?
Around 25%
What could Scotland do with renewable energy revenues?
Invest in public services and economic growth
What is a major economic concern about independence?
Uncertainty over currency and public finances
What currency options would Scotland face?
New currency, using the pound, or joining the Euro
What issue arose in 2014 about the pound?
The UK refused a formal currency union
How could uncertainty affect business?
Lower investment and market instability
What diplomatic benefits does Scotland have as part of the UK?
Access to embassies, trade deals, and global organisations
What would Scotland need to do post-independence?
Apply for international memberships and build alliances
What nuclear issue could affect NATO membership?
Scotland’s wish to remove UK nuclear submarines
What do critics say about Scotland’s global influence post-independence?
It could weaken and take time to rebuild
How do supporters respond to global influence concerns?
Scotland could align with the EU or Nordic nations
What are the main concerns of independence opponents?
Economic uncertainty, loss of UK funding, and joining global bodies
What does Devo-Max propose?
Transferring almost all policy areas to the Scottish Parliament
What areas would remain reserved under Devo-Max?
Defence and foreign affairs
What do supporters say Devo-Max allows Scotland to do?
Tailor policies to local needs
What domestic powers would Scotland gain under Devo-Max?
Control over healthcare, education, and taxation
How would Devo-Max affect Scottish policy-making?
It would give more freedom to design policies that reflect Scottish priorities
What would Devo-Max allow Scotland to do with taxes?
Set its own tax rates
What’s a benefit of Devo-Max for public services?
Scotland could fully design and manage its own systems
What’s a governance benefit of Devo-Max?
More efficient and effective local decision-making
What do critics say Devo-Max could undermine?
The unity of the United Kingdom
What limitations would remain under Devo-Max?
No control over defence and foreign policy.
Why might Devo-Max not satisfy everyone?
It doesn’t offer full independence or sovereignty
How could Devo-Max ease UK-Scotland tensions?
By giving Scotland more control over domestic matters
What might Devo-Max be seen as between current devolution and independence?
A compromise or middle ground
How would Devo-Max affect reliance on Westminster?
Reduce it for domestic issues like welfare and education
How might Devo-Max affect Scottish feelings of respect and representation?
Scotland might feel more respected and heard
Would Devo-Max give Scotland full sovereignty?
No
What key areas would still be controlled by the UK?
Armed forces, foreign policy, and currency
Could Scotland negotiate trade deals under Devo-Max?
No, it would depend on UK agreements
Would Scotland control its own currency under Devo-Max?
No, it would still use the British pound
What does lack of full sovereignty under Devo-Max mean?
Scotland remains dependent on the UK in major areas
What economic powers would Devo-Max grant Scotland?
Control over taxation and public spending
What economic challenge might Devo-Max bring?
Fiscal responsibility without full control
Would Scotland control monetary policy under Devo-Max?
No, that remains with the Bank of England
How might UK fiscal policy still affect Scotland?
It could shape Scotland’s financial stability
What happens if Scotland faces an economic crisis under Devo-Max?
It may lack tools to respond fully due to UK control over key levers
How might UK-wide policies limit Scotland under Devo-Max?
They reduce flexibility in economic responses
What could reliance on the UK financial system hinder?
Independent economic strategies tailored to Scotland
What is federalism?
A system where power is divided between a central and regional governments
What is the key feature of federalism?
Both national and regional governments share authority
Does the central government have absolute power in federalism?
No, its power is limited
What powers do regions have in federalism?
Control over areas like education, health, and local law enforcement
What would federalism give Scotland?
More control over its own affairs while staying in the UK
What devolved powers does Scotland already have?
Education, healthcare, and some taxation
What is a key feature of the US federal system?
States control education, justice, and local taxes, but follow federal laws
Give an example of US state autonomy
California has its own environmental laws
What does Bavaria control in Germany?
Education standards tailored to local needs
How does Quebec show federalism in Canada?
It controls language, culture, and education
What powers does Catalonia have in Spain?
Education and culture, but not defence or foreign policy
What would federalism allow Scotland to do with taxes?
Set and manage regional tax policies
What broad benefit does federalism provide?
More responsive and localised governance
How could federalism address Scottish concerns?
By increasing autonomy while preserving union benefits
Would Scotland have control over foreign policy under federalism?
No, it would remain with the UK government
Would Scotland control national defence?
No, it would still be handled by the UK
What areas would remain under UK control in federalism?
Defence, foreign policy, and currency
What is a major limitation of federalism for Scotland?
Lack of full sovereignty
Why might some Scots oppose federalism?
It doesn’t provide complete independence
What conflict could federalism create?
Between Scotland and the UK over policy differences
Give an example of potential policy conflict in a federal system.
Scotland increasing healthcare spending during UK austerity
What could unresolved conflicts in federalism lead to?
Deadlock and political instability
What is an example of federal tension abroad?
Belgium’s disputes between Flemish and Walloon regions
What middle ground does federalism offer?
Between full independence and the current system
What union benefits would Scotland keep under federalism?
Shared defence, trade, and international standing
What is a potential political benefit of federalism?
Reduced feelings of disenfranchisement
What challenge might federalism face in the UK?
Balancing Scottish autonomy with UK unity
How could federalism strengthen the union?
By giving Scotland more voice without breaking away
