Democracy - Representation

Question 1

Describe, in detail, two ways that MSP’s can represent their constituents in the Scottish Parliament.

Answer 1

• FM question time, every Thursday MSP’s have the opportunity ask the FM questions. For example; Douglas Ross has questioned the minister on vaccine passports.
• Debates, MSP’s can pass forward problems and ask parliament for a solution. For example; MSP’s debated smoking in cars with children before it was banned.

Question 2

Describe, in detail, two ways that MSP’s can represent their constituents in the constituency.

Answer 2

• Attending events, MSP’s are high profile guests and will visit local events. For example; Siobhan Brown attended the opening of the Early Cancer Diagnostic Centre.
• Local Media appearances, an MSP may appear in the newspaper or on local radio. For example; Siobhan Brown appears in the Ayrshire Post weekly.

Question 3

Describe, in detail, two reasons why women are underrepresented in Parliament.

Answer 3

• Caring responsibilities, women are often the main carer in the household, so a career that requires long hours is not accessible. For example; three MSP’s did not stand again because of family responsibilities.
• Lack of role models, some women may be put off by the fact that most MSP’s are men. For example; there has only been one female first minister.

Question 4

Describe, in detail, the measures taken to increase the representation of women in parliament.

Answer 4

• Family friendly hours, parliament now concludes all business at 5PM on weekdays. For example; this makes it more accessible for women with children to work.
• Non-aggressive environment, the Scottish Parliament has been arranged in the shape of a horseshoe unlike Westminister. For example; this will encourage co-operation instead of conflict.

Question 5

Describe, in detail, two reasons why ethnic minority groups are underrepresented in Parliament.

Answer 5

• Racism, racism may affect the candidates picked to stand in election. For example; Humza Yousef talked to the BBC about racism in politics.
• Lack of role models, a lack of EM MSP’s may put off other EM’s from standing as candidate. For example; there have only been 4 EM MSP’s.

Question 6

Describe, in detail, two roles of committees in the Scottish Parliament.

Answer 6

• Conduct enquiries, the committee will gather evidence of an issue and make a relevant decision. For example; the education and skills committee questioned why some schools did not teach modern studies.
• Hold the government to account, each committee looks at issues related to a specific government department. For example; John Swinney was questioned by the education and skills committee on cancelling exams in 2020.