The Constitution - Topic 1.3

Question 1

England

What devolution has taken place?

Answer 1

• North of England
• Norfolk & Suffolk
• Cornwall
• West of England
• East & West Midlands

Varied among each devolved region and authority

Question 2

England

What powers does the devolved nation have?

Answer 2

Varied among each devolved region and authority
Usually transport, healthcare and housing

Question 3

England

How does the devolved political system work?

Answer 3

Varied among each devolved region and authority
Most mayor elections use a SV system, although that is beginning to change due to Parliament legislation

Question 4

England

Evaluate the successes and failures of devolution

Answer 4

Greater London Authority and Greater Manchester Combined Authority have a greater regional identity.

Usually low turnout and the demand for reform is low. Larger representation of smaller parties.

Question 5

Wales

What devolution has taken place?

Answer 5

• Has the right to their own assembly
• Has the right to have its own parties
• Has the role of the First Minister
• Removal of the royal Welsh flag to the modern one with the Welsh Flag
• Meibion of Glyndwr - A protest group linked to arson of English-owned holiday homes in Wales

Question 6

Wales

What powers does the devolved nation have?

Answer 6

• Separate executive and legislative
• Able to enact primary legislation
• Can control income tax
• Healthcare, energy, environment, transport, local authority services and agriculture.
• Recently a Welsh language board.

Question 7

Wales

How does the devolved political system work?

Answer 7

The Welsh National Assembly; the Senedd Cymru
60 seats
Additional Member System voting

Question 8

Wales

Evaluate the successes and failures of devolution

Answer 8

There has been a revival of the Welsh culture and persistent economic growth (due to more control). It has better and more effective domestic laws and lower tuition fees.

There’s been a low turnout at the polls and it is not completely autonomous.

Question 9

Scotland

What devolution has taken place?

Answer 9

• Has the right to their own assembly
• Has the right to have its own parties
• Has the role of the First Minister
• Scottish Parliament has the majority of control in Scotland

Question 10

Scotland

What powers does the devolved nation have?

Answer 10

• Control over legislation and economic policy
• Power to set income tax rates and welfare benefits
• Healthcare and transport
• Control over legal system

Question 11

Scotland

How does the devolved political system work?

Answer 11

Scottish National Assembly in Holyrood
120 seats, single chamber
Additional Member System voting

Question 12

Scotland

Evaluate the successes and failures of devoliton

Answer 12

The Scottish Parliament has accountability to the public as it does the majority of decision making.

Interactions with the UK are different and Scotland didn’t want to leave the EU at all.

Question 13

Northern Ireland

What devolution has taken place?

Answer 13

Good Friday Agreement and the establishment of Stormont; Northern Ireland’s national assembly

Question 14

Northern Ireland

What powers does the devolved nation have?

Answer 14

Housing, employment, education, child support, transport, healthcare
Enforce bylaws and allocate budgets

Question 15

Northern Ireland

How does the devolved political system work?

Answer 15

• Northern Ireland Assembly; Stormont
• County, local and city councils
• 90 seats
• Single Transferable Voting system

Question 16

Northern Ireland

Evaluate the successes and failures of devolution

Answer 16

Northern Ireland Protocol - Governs the unique customs and immigration issues at the border on the island of Ireland between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the European Union, and on some other matters.

Brexit: devolution hasn’t been as smooth as Scotland and Wales, and has been under direct rule from 2020 because Stormont hasn’t been as effective as it could be and the lack of agreement between parties (mainly the DUP and Sinn Fein).