Scotland And Uk Parliament Flashcards
What is devolution?
The movement of powers away from Westminster to Holyrood.
Examples of reserved powers
- Constitutional matters
- Foreign policy
- Social security
- Defence policy
- Gambling
- Most economic policy
Examples of devolved powers
- Education
- Health
- Transport
- Housing
- Police and fire services
- Economic development
What year did the uk become a member of the European Union?
1973
What impacts has being a member of the European Union had on the Uk?
Greater economic, social and political cooperation
What does sovereign mean?
Possessing supreme power.
What do critics argue about being a member of the European Union?
Critics argue that with free movement of all European citizens the uk is being swamped by workers from Eastern Europe, taking British jobs and claiming the generous welfare benefits that Britain has to offer.
What do supporters argue about being part of the European Union?
They argue that British citizens can attend European universities and work anywhere in the 27 countries that make up the EU.
Workers from other EU states contribute to our economy and Scotland, with an ageing population, benefits from an influx of young workers and their families.
What are the advantages of FPTP? And give an example for each one.
- Easily understood system- Sunderland south constituency had their results just after 50 minutes in 2015.
- Clear link between voter and representatives- Stewart Hosie is the MP for Dundee East in 2017 and Chris Law is the MP for Dundee West.
- Usually leads to a decisive result- conservatives won a majority over all other parties of 12 seats in 2015.
What are the disadvantages of FPTP? And give an example of each one.
- There is often no individual mandate for an MP or a government- Stewart Hosie won Dundee East for the SNP with only 43% of the vote in 2017.
- Smaller parties do not gain fair representation- In 2015, the Liberal Democrat’s gained 8% of the vote but only 1.2% of the seats whilst UKIP received 13% of the vote but only 0.15% of seats.
- Many votes are wasted- Turnout in the 2017 general election was 68.7%. In some individual constituencies turnout fell below 50%.
- Encourages negative tactical voting- In 2010 election campaign, labour politicians were criticised for asking voters to vote Liberal Democrat’s in constituencies where Labour had no real chance in winning to keep conservatives out.
In what year did Scotland receive extra powers and what were they?
2008
- Taxation, including half the income tax raised in Scotland. Plus borrowing money powers.
- National speed limits and drink driving.
- Airgun legislation.
- Elections in Scotland.
What is The Vow?
Following the 2014 Scottish Parliament Independence Referendum a view of devolution was carried out by Lord Smith. There was a number of new recommendations for further powers to be given to Scottish Parliament based on “The Vow” which was promises about greatly increased devolution for Scotland and supported by 3 main unionist party leaders.
When The Scotland Act of 2016 was passed what new powers were given to Scotland?
- Abortion
- Consumer advocate and advice
- Equal opportunities
- Gaming Machines
- Parking
- Policing of railway in Scotland
- Speed limits
- Traffic signs
Why was the UK government criticised for the powers given in The Scotland Act 2016?
The Scottish Government criticised them because the day they didn’t implement all of the recommendations in the act and argued the new powers don’t go as far as “The Vow” promised.
What are the arguments for and against defence in the referendum?
For-
Argued that an independent Scotland would be a member of NATO but without nuclear weapons. Trident nuclear weapons would be removed from Scotland.
Against-
Argued that a nuclear free Scotland would not be granted NATO membership. The removal of Trident would have significant job losses and damage economy.
What are the arguments for and against The NHS in the referendum?
For-
An independent Scotland was necessary to secure the future of the NHS.
Against-
Argued that as health is a devolved issue Scotland will always be able to protect the NHS from privatisation.
What are the arguments for and against the Economy and Oil in the referendum?
For-
The present and future revenue from oil would ensure Scotland’s economic viability and prosperity. An oil fund similar to Norway would be set up if prices were to fall.
Against-
Overestimated the wealth that could be created by North Sea oil. The banking crisis of 2008-10 highlighted the need for Scotland to be part of a larger Economy.
What was the for and against for Currency in the referendum?
For-
Both Independent Scotland and the rest of the Uk would still use the pound. The economy of England would suffer if it excluded an Independent Scotland from using the Pound.
Against-
Labour Party rules out the possibility of a currency union. Instead they said Scotland would either have to use the pound in the same way Panama used the US dollar or set up a new currency or the Euro.
What was the for and against for The European Union in the referendum?
For-
Scotland wouldn’t have to reapply to the EU as citizens would continue to be EU citizens after a period of negotiation of Scotland’s new terms.
Against-
Argued that if Scotland voted to leave and EU member state so would therefore have to reapply as a new member state relying on the support of governments.
What is the for and against of National Debt in the referendum?
For-
Scotland would share national debt and would expect to retain the pound.
Against- Allistar Darling maintained that a currency union would not be possible in the event of independence and Scotland ‘couldn’t demand the best of both worlds.’
What was a significant outcome of the referendum and what did Alex Salmond comment on it?
One of the most significant outsides was that people were becoming more engaged in politics.
Alex Salmond said “ Scotland now had the most politically engaged population in Western Europe.”
What is the Barnett Formula?
Scotland receives an increase in its block grant proportion to the increase in spending on UK departments. With the new income tax and VAT revenues to be devolved adjustments.
What was the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and what happened following it?
85% of people turned up to vote and in some regions like Stirling the turnout was over 90%.
45% voted for independence.
55% voted to remain in the UK.
Many people in poorer areas like Dundee, Glasgow, North Lancashire voted ‘YES’.
People all over Scotland demanded change even those who voted ‘NO’.
Alex Salmond announced he would stand down as first minister and Nicola Sturgeon was elected party leader.
What is the advantages of STV? And give examples for each one.
- Highly Proportional- in 2017, the Liberal Democrat’s gained 67 councillors overall. There were also 29 Green Party councillors and 172 independents elected.
- No votes wasted- 2nd and 3rd votes are also counted.
- Voters select best party candidate and not parties- you can even use all of your preferences for candidates from the parties if you wish.
- Ended one party control- it has ended one party control in places like Glasgow. Also in 2017 29 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities are controlled by a coalition of parties.
