Democracy in Scotland Flashcards
What are some key features of a democracy?
Governments are elected by the people
This means that the citizens of a country choose the people they want to run the country on their behalf. It would not be practical for all citizens to be involved in each and every decision that is made so they give much of this power to elected officials.
In Scotland people can vote for MPs, MSPs and local councillors to make decisions on their behalf.
Regular elections take place
In Scotland elections usually take place every 4 years, although this can happen sooner. People can vote for a range of representatives and parties in these elections.
The most recent elections in Scotland were the UK General election in 2019, the Scottish Parliamentary election in 2021 and the local council elections in 2022.
Citizens have political rights
Political rights include the right to vote, the right to join a political party, the right to join a pressure group, the right to freedom of speech and the right to protest.
Many people in Scotland have used their right to protest and make their views known to leaders on issues like independence, climate change and black lives matter.
Free speech is supported
This means that citizens in Scotland are free to express themselves and their opinions openly. However they must not use hate speech, encourage violence or tell damaging lies.
In Scotland many people have been both supportive and critical of how Nicola Sturgeon handled the Covid-19 Pandemic and shared their views online, in newspapers and on TV without the government stopping them.
Devolved matters of the Scottish parliament
Education
The Scottish Parliament is responsible for the education system in Scotland which includes childcare, nurseries, schools, colleges and universities. Education has been high on the agenda for many leading parties in Holyrood.
In 2014, the Scottish Parliament voted to introduce free school meals to all pupils from Primary 1-3. Scotland also differs from other parts of The UK as education
right through to University level is free.
Healthcare
The Scottish Parliament has powers relating to all healthcare in Scotland which includes hospitals, GP’s and policies to improve public health. This accounts for one of the largest areas of spending for the Scottish government.
In 2011, the Scottish Parliament voted to get rid of prescription charges and more recently in 2018 they voted to introduced the Minimum Unit Pricing Alcohol Act (MUP) in a bid to address illnesses related to alcohol abuse.
Policing
It is their priority to keep the people of Scotland safe and are therefore in control of policing the streets, security at airports, laws of the country and sentencing for those who break the law.
In 2012, the Scottish Parliament passed a bill which created a single national police force in Scotland.
Transport
The Scottish Parliament have sole responsibility for transport in Scotland. They have the responsibility for motorway maintenance and bus, rail and ferry services
In 2014, the Scottish Parliament approved the decision to award the Scotrail franchise to Abellio.
Reserved matters
Defence
They have sole responsibility for the security of the UK as a whole and have authority over the army, navy and the air force. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the UK is protected from threats both inside and outside the country.
In 2016, the UK parliament voted to renew Britain’s nuclear missile submarines.
Welfare
Welfare is a reserved power, so is controlled by the UK government at Westminster. This means that they have responsibility over the system of welfare benefits and pensions in the UK.
In 2016, the government lowered the household cap on benefits to £20,000 a year.
Foreign policy
The UK government is responsible for how we interact and deal with other countries and overseas activities. The job of Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is for a member of the UK governments cabinet.
In 2017, the UK Parliament voted to trigger article 50 to officially start the UK’s exit from the EU following on from the referendum in 2016.
Economic policy
This means that the UK decides the level of government spending, borrowing and most importantly taxation rates.
In 2017, the UK Parliament voted to increase the tax free personal allowance to £11,500
The roles/powers of the first minster
One reason why the First Minister is very powerful is because he/she can appoint and remove cabinet members.
This means that the First Minister gets to choose the abinet secretaries that form the government and take responsibility for the different devolved departments.
In 2023, Humza Yousaf appointed Shona Robison as the Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance.
Another reason why the First Minister is very powerful is recause he/she represents Scotland at home and abroad.
This means that the First Minister will regularly travel to ther countries to represent and promote Scotland as a place to live, isit and do business with.
Nicola Sturgeon met with European leaders regularly after he Brexit referendum to try and promote special treatment for cotland since it didn’t vote to leave.
