Power of the first minister

Question 1

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH FOREIGN LEADERS:

Answer 1

The First Minister also represents Scotland abroad. It is up to them to build trading relationships and partnerships with other countries. This is extremely important as it emphasises Scotland’s important role on the global stage.

Alex Salmond spent a lot of time trying to encourage people from the USA, Australia and Canada to buy products from Scotland and to visit Scotland on holiday in the “Year of Homecoming”.

Question 2

POWER OF APPOINTMENT

Answer 2

The first minister has the responsibility of appointing Ministers and also Cabinet Secretaries. The FM also has the power to fire Ministers who were not doing their job effectively. This is an extremely important power as these Cabinet Secretaries are the heads of government departments

Humza Yousaf the former Transport Minister was appointed the role of Cabinet Secretary for health and social care in 2021.

Question 3

HEAD OF THE EXECUTIVE

Answer 3

As the head of the executive the FM is the leader of the largest political party. Therefore, the FM can push their parties political agenda at Government level. This is important as the FM has the power to push forward policies that are important to their political party and run the country in a way that suits their agenda/wants.

For example:
In 2023, the SNP headed by Nicola Sturgeon pushed forward the Gender Reformation Reform Bill.