Power and decision making

Question 1

What are the roles and powers of the First Minister?

Answer 1

To lead the government, to appoint cabinet secretaries and ministers, to represent Scotland at home and abroad and to recommend new Scottish judges.

Question 2

Explain how the First Minister leads the government

Answer 2

The First Minister sets out priorities of the Scottish government and responds to events as part of her running the country.

Question 3

Give an example of how the First Minister leads the government

Answer 3

Nicola Sturgeon visited the Glasgow school of art fire site and offered her condolences.

Question 4

Explain how the First Minister appoints cabinet secretaries and ministers.

Answer 4

The First Minister appoints people to run different departments of government such as education and health.

Question 5

Give an example of the First Minister appointing cabinet secretaries and ministers.

Answer 5

John Swinney was made the deputy First Minister and education secretary in 2016.

Question 6

Explain how the First Minister represents Scotland at home and abroad.

Answer 6

The First Minister represent Scotland at home and abroad as a place to live, work and do business with.

Question 7

Give an example of the First Minister represents Scotland at home and abroad.

Answer 7

Nicola Sturgeon met with European leaders after Brexit to promote Scotland to get special treatment as we never voted to leave the EU

Question 8

Explain how the First Minister recommends new Scottish Judges.

Answer 8

The First Minister recommends new Scottish judges to the Queen based on professional advice.

Question 9

Give an example of how the First Minister has recommend new Scottish Judges.

Answer 9

In Glasgow and Edinburgh High Court recent appointments have been made after Nicola Sturgeon recommended them to Queen Elizabeth.

Question 10

What are devolved matters?

Answer 10

Devolved matters are laws that only affect Scotland

Question 11

What are reserved matters?

Answer 11

Reserved matters are laws that affect the whole of the UK.

Question 12

Give 5 examples of devolved matters

Answer 12

Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Sports and arts
Planning
Education
Emergency services
Health
Social Work
Tourism
Transport
Housing
Heritage
Local Government
Law and order

Question 13

Give 5 examples of reserved matters

Answer 13

Defence
Some transport
Energy
UK foreign policy
Social security
Equal opportunities
Gambling
Trade and industry
Monetary system
Data protection
Constitutional matters
Drugs and medicine
Immigration and nationality

Question 14

Explain and give an example for education.

Answer 14

Exp. - The Scottish Government makes decisions on the school system that do not apply to the rest of the UK like implementing a new curriculum
Exa. - In 2008 SNP abolished the ‘Graduate Endowment Tax’ meaning university and college students no longer had to pay for tuition.

Question 15

Explain and give an example for law and order.

Answer 15

Exp. - The First Minister can recommend new laws and judges for Scotland to the monarch.
Exa. - Recent appointments to the High Court in Edinburgh and Glasgow have been made after Nicola Sturgeon recommended them to Queen Elizabeth.

Question 16

Explain and give an example for defence.

Answer 16

Exp. - UK Parliament are in charge of the navy, army and airforce.
Exa. - The decision to pass a law to combat terrorism in Scotland Is made by the UK Government.

Question 17

Explain and give an example for drugs and medicine.

Answer 17

Exp. - Westminister can pass bills that regard drugs and medicine in the UK.
Exa. - A bill in the implementation of Supervised Drug Consumption Facilities passed its first reading on the 14th of March 2018 and the second reading was held on the 27th of April 2018.

Question 18

What are the 4 roles of Cabinet Secretaries?

Answer 18

• Ensuring government policy is working
• Dealing with any crisis’s that emerge
• Answering questions raised by others
• Leading the introduction of new policies or proposed legislation in their areas

Question 19

Who is the education secretary?

Answer 19

John Swinney

Question 20

What is the education secretary’s job?

Answer 20

Running and improving the education in Scotland

Question 21

Who helps the cabinet secretaries?

Answer 21

Ministers

Question 22

What is a cabinet secretary?

Answer 22

An MSP from the party in power who has the responsibility for a government department.

Question 23

What are the 4 key features of a democracy?

Answer 23

Right to free and fair elections
Freedom of speech
Government are elected by the people
Rights and responsibilities

Question 24

Explain and give an example for Right to Free and Fair Elections

Answer 24

Exp. Every couple of years citizens vote for the current government or for other political parties without fear or intimidation
Exa. Scottish citizens vote every 5 years for the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament and local councils

Question 25

Explain and give an example for Freedom of Speech

Answer 25

Exp. citizens can support or criticise government decisions without fear Exa. In Scotland people will regularly join marches or write their opinion on social media. Citizens are also allowed to criticise the government and monarch.

Question 26

Explain and give an example for Government are Elected By The People

Answer 26

Exp. Citizens of a country choose the people who run the country on their behalf Exa. In Scotland we have held elections for the Scottish Parliament in 2016 and the UK Parliament in 2015 and 2017.

Question 27

Explain and give an example for Rights and Responsibilities

Answer 27

Exp. Citizens have their human rights protected by and from the government, with these come responsibilities such as following the law. Exa. In Scotland if you are in jail for speeding you will still have your rights and be kept safe.