Theme B: Devolution In The UK Flashcards
What is devolution in the UK?
Devolution in the UK is the delegation of powers from the central government at Westminster to a national level.
When were referendums held for devolution in the UK?
Referendums were held in Wales (1997), Scotland (1997), and Northern Ireland (1998).
What was created as a result of devolution in the UK?
The Welsh Assembly (1999), the Scottish Parliament (1999), and the Northern Ireland Assembly (1998) were created.
What agreement facilitated the creation of the devolved assemblies in the UK?
The Good Friday Agreement facilitated the creation of the devolved assemblies.
What is devolution?
Devolution refers to the transfer of powers from a central government to local or regional governments.
What reflects the extent of devolution?
The extent to which powers are devolved reflects the strength of the referendum vote.
What is a key argument for devolution?
A key argument for devolution is that a local parliament or national assembly can better represent the needs of their citizens.
What does devolution provide to each country within the UK?
Devolution provides each country with a measure of self-government within the UK.
What is the role of the UK Parliament after devolution?
The UK Parliament votes on reserved matters for the whole of the UK, as well as devolved issues for England.
What are reserved matters that have not been devolved?
The reserved matters include: the constitution, financial aspects, economic aspects, transport, equal opportunities, foreign affairs, immigration, employment, broadcasting, defence, drug control, energy regulation, ethical and medical matters, the Civil Service, trade and industry, social security, and international development.
What percentage of voters supported independence in the Scottish referendum?
74% voted ‘yes’.
What are some devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament?
Devolved powers include environment, local government and housing, agriculture, health and social work, forestry, justice and policing, fishing, economic development, education, tourism, sport and heritage.
How many votes do voters have in Scottish Parliament elections?
Voters have two votes to elect the 129 Members of Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
What is the first voting system used in Scottish Parliament elections?
The first vote is to elect a candidate using FPTP.
How many constituencies are represented by MSPs in Scotland?
One MSP represents each of the 73 constituencies.
How are the remaining MSPs elected in Scottish Parliament elections?
56 MSPs are elected using a system of proportional representation.
How many regions are represented by MSPs in Scotland?
There are 8 regions, with 7 MSPs representing each region.
What is the Welsh Assembly?
The Welsh Assembly is a devolved legislature for Wales.
How do the devolved powers of the Welsh Assembly compare to Scotland’s?
Welsh devolved powers are now similar to Scotland’s, but without justice and policing.
What was the result of the referendum for the Welsh Assembly?
The referendum was close, with 50.03% voting ‘yes’.
What language promotion is included in the Welsh Assembly’s powers?
The Welsh Assembly includes the promotion of the Welsh language.
Why did the Welsh Assembly originally hold fewer devolved powers?
It is a smaller country than Scotland with less history of self-governance.
What are the devolved powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly?
Northern Ireland’s devolved powers are similar to Scotland’s, but they can vote on some reserved matters with the agreement of the Secretary of State.
What happens during periods of Assembly suspension in Northern Ireland?
Decisions revert to Westminster.
