Democracy in scotland

Question 1

What is the role of MSPs?

Answer 1

-Asking the Government Questions
-Introducing a Bill
-Vote on new laws

Question 2

What are the advantages of the Additional Members System (AMS)?

Answer 2

-More choice
-Fewer wasted votes
-Everyone’s voice is heard

Question 3

What are the disadvantages of the Additional Members System (AMS)?

Answer 3

-More complicated
-Coalitions are likely

Question 4

What is a pressure group?

Answer 4

Any organisation that tries to put pressure on the Government to change something.

Question 5

What are the key methods of pressure groups?

Answer 5

-Holding meetings with key decision makers
-Petitions
-Media activity

Question 6

Advantages of pressure groups?

Answer 6

-You can directly persuade the people who make the decisions
-You will be seen as respectable, and so decision makers will be more likely to actually listen

Question 7

Disadvantages of pressure groups?

Answer 7

-Need to maintain relationships means you are limited in what you are able to say
-People view this sort of activity as underhanded and a bit corrupt

Question 8

Examples of pressure groups?

Answer 8

-Animal welfare and animal rights
-Environmental, eg climate change
-LGBTQ+ rights

Question 9

What is the first minister?

Answer 9

The First Minister is the person in charge of the Scottish Government.

Question 10

How are first ministers chosen?

Answer 10

The First Minister is chosen by MSPs who have a vote whenever a new one needs to be chosen.

Question 11

What does the first minister do?

Answer 11

-Choosing Depute First Minister, cabinet secretaries and other ministers.
-Representing Scotland
-Answering questions and defending decisions at First Minister’s Question Time (FMQs).

Question 12

What are our rights and responsibilities?

Answer 12

-The right to free speech
-The right to sign a petition
-The right to protest
-The right to join a political party,
a pressure group or a trade
union

Question 13

What is the difference between devolved and reserved powers?

Answer 13

Devolved powers should be things you think are decided in Scotland.

Reserved powers should be things you think are decided at the UK level.

Question 14

What are examples of devolved powers? (Scotland)

Answer 14

-benefits (some aspects)
-education and training
-health and social services
-housing
-tourism
-transport (some aspects)

Question 15

What are examples of reserved powers? (UK)

Answer 15

-benefits (some aspects)
-betting and gambling
-currency
-financial services
-foreign affairs
-immigration
-transport (some aspects)

Question 16

What are ways in which individuals can participate in election campaigns?

Answer 16

-Joining a political party
-Poster in window to show support
-Retweet/share social media post

Question 17

How is the media influential within a democracy?

Answer 17

-Provides easy access to
representatives ― social media
-Educate the public on important
issues
-They hold the government to account

Question 18

What are the features of a democracy?

Answer 18

-right to free speech
- right to protest
- freedom of the media

Question 19

What are ways MSPs represent their constituents?

Answer 19

-introduce a members’ bill
-vote on new laws
-asking a question at First Minister’s Question Time

Question 20

Why some people are less likely than others to participate in
politics in Scotland?

Answer 20

-Age (too young)
-Believe vote does not count
-Lack of interest in politics
-Lack of knowledge about politics