Democracy In Scotland Flashcards
(5 cards)
Describe, in detail, the key features of a democracy.
Key features of Scottish democracy
One of the key features of democracy in Scotland is that the government is elected by the people. This means that
people in Scotland are free to choose who they want to run the country by voting in an election without
intimidation. For example, millions of people (63.4% turnout) aged 16 and over voted in the 2021 Scottish
Parliament elections, in which the SNP emerged as the largest party but fell one seat short of winning an overall
majority.
A second feature of democracy in Scotland is that free speech is possible. This means that citizens in Scotland are free to express themselves, with some restrictions, such as not being able to use hate speech, encourage violence or tell damaging lies (slander). For example, many people in Scotland were both supportive and critical of how Nicola Sturgeon handled the Covid-19 Pandemic and put their views online, in newspapers and on TV without the government stopping them.
Describe, in detail, devolved matters for which the Scottish Parliament is
responsible.
One devolved matter that the Scottish Parliament/Scottish Government is responsible for is health. This matter is
about making sure the people of Scotland are as healthy as they can be and have the services they need such ashospitals and access to treatments. For example, the Scottish Parliament’s Health and Sports Committee looked atthe new Organ Donation law that means Scots now have to opt out of donating their organs when they die.
Another devolved matter that the Scottish Parliament/Scottish Government is responsible for is education. This matter is about making sure that the education system in Scotland is running well, with good quality school buildings and enough teachers. For example, the Scottish Parliament Education Committee gathered evidence about the cancellation of the 2020 exams and how it would impact students. For example, the Scottish Government announced plans to give ICT devices to all students in Scotland, therefore it is their job to make sure this happens.
Describe, in detail, the role of the First Minister.
One role of the First Minister of Scotland is to lead the Scottish Government and oversee its operation. This means that they decide the priorities of the Scottish Government and chair the Scottish Cabinet, to discuss the running of the country and new legislation they hope to introduce. For example, Sturgeon the proposal to move forward with the introduction of free bus travel for people under the age of 22 (pushed by the Scottish Greens).
A second role of the First Minister is to represent Scotland as the principal Scottish Government figure in the
Scottish Parliament. This means as the head of the Scottish government it is their responsibility to speak and act on
behalf of Scotland in areas that are devolved, such as health. For example, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, Nicola
Sturgeon represented Scotland in the UK crisis meetings. Other former FMs have also represented Scotland at
COP28 and by attending the Coronation of HM The King
Describe, in detail, the powers of the First Minister/why the First Minister is powerful.
Some would argue the First Minister is very powerful because they are the leader of the Scottish Government and
sets its priorities. Due to the fact that the First Minister decides the priorities of the Scottish Government, he can
exert his power by approving and rejecting proposals. For example, on the 5th September 2023, the First Minister gave a statement in Parliament about the programme for Government in the coming year.
Others argue the First Minister is powerful because they can appoint and remove cabinet members. As the First Minister one of his roles is choose who oversees each government department which means that he has the power to reward those who are successful and/or loyal to him and remove those he doesn’t think are good enough. For example, Kate Forbes was appointed as the Deputy First Minister by First Minister John Swinney.
Another reason the First Minister is powerful is because he can approve deals with other parties. Other parties can try and get their policies passed in a deal with the Scottish Government because they do not currently have an
overall majority, but only if the First Minister approves it. For example, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
approved deals with the Scottish Greens that mean under 22-year-olds have free bus travel.
Explain, in detail, why the First Minister is not powerful.
It can be argued that the First Minister is not powerful because he is only responsible for devolved matters. This
means that the First Minister can only make decisions about issues that are devolved and has no power over
reserved matters. For example, Scotland couldn’t close the borders to international travel during the Covid-19Pandemic as only Westminster and the Prime Minister have that power.
Another reason the First Minister is not powerful is that they may have to agree deals to pass bills. When the
government does not have a majority of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament (less than 65/129 seats) the First Minister
often has to agree deals with smaller parties. For example, the First Minister has had to agree a deal with the Greens each year since 2016 in order to pass the government’s budget.
A final reason the First Minister is not powerful is that he must answer to parliament. Even though Swinney is in
charge of the government and has a lot of influence as the leader of the largest party in parliament, he must still attend the Scottish Parliament every week and answer questions that sometimes embarrass him and his
government. For example, each week Swinney takes part in First Ministers Question time on a Thursday at 12pm,
during which he faces challenging questions from opposition MSPs and, on occasion, his own MSPs.
