WHY THE FIRST MINISTER IS POWERFUL

Question 1

LEADER OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

Answer 1

POINT - One reason the First Minister is powerful is she is the leader of the Scottish Government.
EXPLAIN - as the First Minister makes the final decision on what each department of government does she is very powerful as she can approve and reject policies
EXAMPLE - For example, Nicola Sturgeon will have approved the Scottish government’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic which were sometimes different to those in England.

Question 2

APPOINT AND REMOVE CABINET MEMBERS

Answer 2

POINT - Another reason the First Minister is powerful is she can appoint and remove cabinet members.
EXPLAIN - As the First Minister one of her roles is to choose who is in charge of each government department meaning she has the power to reward those loyal to her and punish or remove those she doesn’t think are good enough.
EXAMPLE - For example, John Swinney was cabinet secretary for education but in may 2021 he was appointed cabinet secretary for COVID-19 recovery.

Question 3

APPROVE DEALS WITH OTHER PARTIES

Answer 3

POINT - An additional reason the First Minister is powerful is she can approve deals with other parties.
EXPLAIN - This is because the government doesn’t have a majority in parliament other parties can try and get their policies passed in a deal with the government but only if the First Minister approves it.
EXAMPLE - For example, the First Minister has approved deals with the Scottish Greens to pass the budget that means under 21s have free bus travel.