U1 the role of MSP’s Flashcards
What is an MSP
- Member of the Scottish Parliament
- elected by the people of Scotland to represent them and make decisions on behalf of their constituents
State 4 roles of an MSP
- put forward a motion to initiate debate
- participate in question time
- participate in decision time
- attempt to introduce new bills
Describe the role of an MSP ‘put forward a motion and initiate debate’
-this means that an MSP can make a proposition for Parliament to do something/express an opinion which initiates debate in the Chamber
Describe the role of an MSP’ participate in Question Time’
-this means that MSP’s get the opportunity to question a government ministers about their department and allow MSP’s to scrutinise their decisions
Describe the role of an MSP ‘taking part in voting/decision time’
-this means that at the end of the day Scottish Parliament use an electronic voting system in the chamber so MSP’s just press a button to cast their vote about any business passed through Parliament that day
Describe the role of an MSP ‘members bills’
-this means that MSP’s also have the power to attempt to introduce new bills which could become law
Give an example of the role of MSP’s ‘motions and debates’
-in 2017 Douglas Ross MSP proposed a motion falling for the the government repeal the offensive behaviour at football act, after the debate the MSP’s voted 64 to 63 to pass the motion
Give an example of the role of an MSP ‘taking part in question time’
-in 2020 and 2021, Nicola Sturgeon has been under scrutiny by the other party members on her decisions surrounding the Government response to COVID 19
Give an example of the role of an MSP ‘voting (decision time)’
-in February 2021, Scottish Parliament voted to approve the next budget
Give an example of the role of an MSP ‘members bill’
-John Finnie MSP, introduced the children equal protection from assault bill, which eventually voted through and became law in 2019
