Democracy in Scotland Flashcards
(158 cards)
1
Q
What does it mean that governments are elected by the people in Scotland?
A
Citizens choose who runs the country and can vote them out.
2
Q
Give an example of recent Scottish elections.
A
UK General Election 2024, Scottish Parliament 2021, Local Council 2022.
3
Q
What are political rights?
A
Rights allowing citizens to participate in politics, e.g., voting and protesting.
4
Q
Name three political rights in Scotland.
A
Right to vote, join a party, and protest.
5
Q
Give an example of people using political rights.
A
Thousands protested in Glasgow in 2023 and 2024 about Gaza.
6
Q
What does free speech mean in Scottish democracy?
A
Citizens can express opinions and criticise the government freely.
7
Q
Give an example of free speech in action.
A
Media criticised Humza Yousaf’s push for independence without being silenced.
8
Q
What is a devolved power of the Scottish Parliament?
A
Education.
9
Q
Give an example of a devolved education decision.
A
2024 guidelines said blazers shouldn’t be compulsory.
10
Q
What devolved power helps keep people healthy?
A
Health.
11
Q
Give an example of a devolved health policy.
A
£300m investment in 2024 to tackle NHS waiting lists.
12
Q
What devolved power relates to police and courts?
A
Law and Order.
13
Q
Give an example of a Scottish legal difference.
A
Scottish courts have a third verdict: not proven.
14
Q
What is a reserved power held by the UK Parliament?
A
Immigration.
15
Q
Give an example of reserved immigration power.
A
Scotland can’t accept refugees without UK approval.
16
Q
What reserved power involves military control?
A
Defence.
17
Q
Give an example of reserved defence power.
A
Only the UK Parliament can decide to go to war.
18
Q
What reserved power controls international relationships?
A
Foreign policy.
19
Q
Give an example of a foreign policy power.
A
Only UK Parliament can make trade deals.
20
Q
What is one role of the First Minister?
A
To lead the Scottish Government.
21
Q
Give an example of the First Minister leading government.
A
John Swinney set out the Policy Prospectus in 2024.
22
Q
How does the First Minister represent Scotland abroad?
A
They promote Scotland overseas and meet foreign leaders.
23
Q
Give an example of the FM representing Scotland abroad.
A
John Swinney met the European Affairs Minister in 2024.
24
Q
What role does the FM play in choosing ministers?
A
Appoints and reshuffles the Cabinet.
25
Give an example of the FM appointing a minister.
In 2024, John Swinney appointed Kate Forbes as Deputy FM.
26
What is one political right in a democracy?
The right to join a political party.
27
What is the responsibility linked to joining a political party?
Support the party and its activities.
28
Example of party membership in Scotland?
Over 100,000 people in Scotland are party members, with SNP being the largest.
29
What is one right related to pressure groups?
The right to join a pressure group.
30
What is the responsibility when joining a pressure group?
Not to break the law while protesting or campaigning.
31
Example of legal pressure group action?
Republic peacefully protested King Charles' coronation in May 2023.
32
What is the right of free speech?
The right to express opinions without punishment.
33
What is the responsibility linked to free speech?
Avoid hate speech or discriminatory language.
34
Example of restricted speech in Scotland?
Sectarian songs banned at football matches.
35
What is the right to protest?
The right to gather and demonstrate peacefully.
36
What is the responsibility during protest?
Follow laws and notify the police in advance.
37
Example of peaceful protest in Scotland?
Thousands protested in Glasgow in 2024 over UK policy on Israel-Palestine.
38
How can people participate through voting?
By choosing candidates who represent their views.
39
Example of electoral participation?
Kaukab Stewart elected MSP for Glasgow Kelvin in 2021.
40
How can people participate by joining a party?
Attend meetings, shape policies, and vote for the leader.
41
Example of party participation?
SNP members elected John Swinney leader in 2024.
42
How can people participate through protesting?
Demonstrate publicly to influence opinion and policy.
43
Example of protest participation?
2024 Glasgow protests against UK support for Israel.
44
How can individuals participate as candidates?
Stand in elections and campaign for votes.
45
Example of individual standing as candidate?
Nicola Sturgeon elected MSP for Glasgow Southside in 2021.
46
What is canvassing?
Going door-to-door to promote a candidate or party.
47
Example of canvassing?
SNP canvassed for Humza Yousaf in Glasgow Pollok in 2021.
48
How can individuals support parties financially?
By donating to fund campaigns.
49
Example of donations?
Scottish Labour encouraged donations before 2021 election.
50
How do parties use manifestos?
To share their policies and promises with voters.
51
Example of manifesto promise?
SNP promised a second independence vote in 2021.
52
How do parties campaign during elections?
Canvassing, leafleting, and public events.
53
Example of party campaigning?
SNP and Conservatives canvassed in Aberdeen in 2021.
54
How do parties use the media?
Appear in debates and interviews to promote ideas.
55
Example of media engagement?
2021 TV debates featured all major Scottish party leaders.
56
How does media inform voters?
By covering campaigns and reporting election news.
57
Example of media coverage?
2021 leaders' debates broadcast on TV.
58
How does media hold politicians to account?
By questioning them about their policies and decisions.
59
Example of media accountability?
John Swinney apologised in 2024 interview on STV over Israeli diplomat meeting.
60
How can media influence elections?
By supporting certain parties or criticising others.
61
Example of media influence?
Scottish Sun and Daily Mail supported Conservatives in 2021.
62
Why do people participate to have their voice heard?
To influence others and shape decisions.
63
Example of having voice heard?
2024 Glasgow protests over UK support for Israel.
64
Why is participation seen as a democratic responsibility?
It helps maintain a representative democracy.
65
Example of democratic responsibility?
63.5% voter turnout in 2021 Scottish Election.
66
How does participation hold power to account?
By questioning decisions or voting out poor performers.
67
Example of accountability?
2021 student protest forced U-turn on exam results.
68
Why might people feel underrepresented?
Lack of role models in politics.
69
Example of underrepresentation?
Only 6 out of 129 MSPs are from ethnic minorities.
70
What is voter fatigue?
Being tired of frequent elections and political processes.
71
Example of voter fatigue?
11 elections/referendums in 10 years in Scotland.
72
Why might people not identify with parties?
Their views don’t align with mainstream parties.
73
Example of lack of party representation?
No seats won by parties outside SNP, Labour, Conservative, Green, Lib Dem in 2021.
74
What is one role of the media in politics?
To inform the public and educate voters about current affairs, party policies, and laws.
75
Give an example of the media informing the public.
In 2023, the media informed the public about Operation Branchform, an investigation into possible fundraising fraud by the SNP.
76
What is another role of the media?
To hold representatives to account by questioning them and allowing them to defend their ideas.
77
Give an example of the media holding a representative to account.
In 2024, John Swinney apologized on STV for a meeting with an Israeli diplomat that suggested normalising relations with Israel.
78
How does the media influence voters?
By publishing stories that make some parties look good while criticizing others.
79
Give an example of media influencing voters.
In the 2021 election, The Scottish Sun and The Scottish Daily Mail supported the Conservatives and criticized the SNP.
80
What is one method used by the media to influence voters?
Targeted ads, using data to show specific content to different groups.
81
Give an example of targeted ads influencing voters.
In 2021, younger social media users saw pro-SNP content, while older users saw pro-union content.
82
What is another method used by the media to influence voters?
Organising debates where voters can hear political leaders' views directly.
83
Give an example of a media-organized debate.
In 2021, BBC, STV, and Channel 4 ran televised leader debates with major political party leaders.
84
How does the media influence through front page headlines?
By using sensationalist headlines to express opinions and catch the reader’s attention.
85
Give an example of biased front page headlines.
In 2021, the Daily Mail warned against the SNP, while The National criticized the Conservatives and Boris Johnson.
86
How can the media influence public opinion?
By running campaigns that force politicians to address important issues.
87
Give an example of a media campaign influencing public opinion.
In 2024, the Daily Record campaigned to decriminalise drugs in Scotland.
88
How does the media influence by uncovering scandal?
By exposing scandals, which forces the government to act and restore credibility.
89
Give an example of the media uncovering a scandal.
In 2022, The Sunday Mail revealed a senior SNP Council leader was promoted despite sexual assault allegations.
90
How do TV debates influence voters?
They allow voters to see leaders under pressure, helping them make informed decisions.
91
What is one role of a trade union?
To negotiate on behalf of workers for better pay and working conditions.
92
Give an example of a union negotiating for workers.
In 2024, EIS negotiated a pay rise for teachers with COSLA.
93
What is another role of a trade union?
To represent workers in official settings during conflicts, such as redundancies or disciplinary issues.
94
Give an example of a trade union representing a worker.
In 2022, Unison won a case allowing workers to participate in political activities without fear of dismissal.
95
How do trade unions influence government policy?
By lobbying the government to influence policy decisions in favour of workers.
96
Give an example of a trade union influencing policy.
In 2024, GMB withdrew from Scotland’s national care service, claiming it wouldn’t deliver real change.
97
Why should someone join a trade union?
For collective bargaining power, which increases the chances of achieving better pay and conditions.
98
Give an example of collective bargaining success.
In 2024, RCN Scotland secured a 5.5% pay rise for nurses by threatening to strike.
99
Why else might someone join a trade union?
For unions to negotiate better pay, working conditions, and health & safety on their behalf.
100
What is another reason to join a trade union?
Unions provide training and development programs to improve skills for better job opportunities.
101
Give an example of a union offering training.
Unite Scotland offers free digital skills courses to its members.
102
How do trade unions gain influence?
By organising demonstrations to raise public and governmental awareness of their concerns.
103
Give an example of a union-organised demonstration.
In 2024, Equity staged a rally outside Holyrood to protest cuts to arts funding.
104
What is another method used by trade unions to gain influence?
Negotiating on behalf of workers for better pay and conditions.
105
How does industrial action help trade unions gain influence?
By disrupting productivity, unions show the strength of their members' support and press employers to meet demands.
106
Give an example of successful industrial action.
In 2023, strikes by bin workers in Glasgow led to a 10% pay rise.
107
How do MSPs represent their constituents in Parliament?
By attending Question Time, participating in committees, and proposing members' bills.
108
What is the role of MSPs at Question Time?
They question the government ministers or the First Minister about their actions or to address important issues.
109
Give an example of an issue raised at FMQs.
John Swinney was questioned about his letter of congratulations to Donald Trump after the US Presidential election in 2024.
110
What do committees do in the Scottish Parliament?
Committees scrutinize bills, propose new laws, and investigate specific issues.
111
Example of an MSP on a committee.
Paul Sweeney is on the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee.
112
What is a member's bill?
It is a proposal by an MSP for a new law or a change to an existing law.
113
Example of a member’s bill.
Monica Lennon proposed the Period Products Bill, passed into law in 2021.
114
How do MSPs represent constituents outside Parliament?
By holding surgeries, contacting the media, and attending local events.
115
What is the purpose of MSP surgeries?
Constituents can meet their MSP in person to discuss issues or seek help.
116
Example of an MSP holding a surgery.
Patrick Harvie holds regular online and in-person surgeries.
117
How do MSPs use the media to represent their constituents?
MSPs contact the media to raise the profile of important local issues.
118
Example of an MSP using the media.
Jackie Baillie spoke to the Scotsman in 2023 about homelessness in Glasgow.
119
Why do MSPs attend local events?
To connect with their constituents and better understand local issues.
120
Example of an MSP attending a local event.
Carol Mochan attended a local ice rink showcase in 2023.
121
Why are women underrepresented in Scottish politics?
Due to gender stereotypes, sexist voters, and media bias.
122
How do gender stereotypes affect women's representation?
They suggest that women should focus on household duties, limiting their political opportunities.
123
Example of gender stereotypes affecting women’s careers.
Gender stereotypes contribute to the gender pay gap and inequality.
124
How do sexist voters contribute to underrepresentation of women?
They may prefer male candidates, believing politics is traditionally a male occupation.
125
How many women are in the Scottish Parliament?
45% of MSPs are female, which is lower than the ideal 50%.
126
How does media bias affect women in politics?
Media often focuses on female politicians' appearance rather than their political ideas.
127
Example of media bias against women.
Nicola Sturgeon noted that media sexism is worse now than 20 years ago.
128
Why are ethnic minorities underrepresented in Scottish politics?
Due to fewer role models, racist voters, and language barriers.
129
How do fewer role models affect ethnic minorities?
It discourages ethnic minorities from running for office because they don’t see others like them in politics.
130
Example of an ethnic minority role model in Scottish politics.
Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, is a role model for ethnic minorities.
131
How do racist voters contribute to underrepresentation of ethnic minorities?
Voters may consciously or unconsciously prefer white candidates over BAME candidates.
132
How many MSPs are from ethnic minority backgrounds?
Only 6 out of 129 MSPs are from ethnic minority groups.
133
How do language barriers affect ethnic minorities in politics?
Immigrants with limited English may struggle to participate, reducing BAME representation.
134
Who is on the committees in the Scottish Parliament?
Members from all parties, with larger parties having more representation.
135
How is committee leadership determined?
Based on the results of the last election; parties with more seats lead more committees.
136
Are government members part of committees?
No, to ensure unbiased scrutiny of the government.
137
What is one role of committees?
To hold the government accountable by questioning ministers and conducting inquiries.
138
Example of a committee holding the government accountable.
The COVID-19 Recovery Committee was set up to ensure effective government action during the pandemic.
139
What do committees do to scrutinize legislation?
They review bills, consider their impact, and speak to experts before making recommendations.
140
Example of a committee scrutinizing legislation.
The Health, Social Care, and Sport Committee reviewed the organ donation bill.
141
What do committees do besides scrutinizing bills?
They propose new bills to the Scottish Parliament.
142
Example of a committee proposing a bill.
The Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee proposed the Pre-release Access to Official Statistics (Scotland) Bill.
143
What is the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) vote system?
Voters in each constituency choose one person to become their local MSP, electing 73 MSPs.
144
How many constituencies are there in Scotland for FPTP?
73 constituencies.
145
How many MSPs are elected by voters in 8 regions?
Voters in 8 regions vote for their favorite political party, electing 56 MSPs.
146
What is proportional representation?
Proportional representation means that the percentage of votes a party receives is closer to the percentage of MSPs they get.
147
Give an example of proportional representation in the 2021 election.
The Conservatives received 24% of the vote and got 24% of MSPs.
148
What is one advantage of proportional representation?
It provides more proportional representation, making the system more democratic.
149
How does proportional representation help smaller parties?
Smaller parties can win seats through proportional representation, getting a higher percentage of the vote share.
150
What advantage does having two votes in the system provide?
It reduces wasted votes because seats are awarded proportionally, not just through FPTP.
151
How does the voting system create coalitions?
Parties need to cooperate and compromise, leading to decisions reflecting a broader range of views.
152
Give an example of a coalition in the Scottish Government.
The SNP and Scottish Greens worked together in 2022 to pass a temporary rent freeze during the cost of living crisis.
153
What is a disadvantage related to multiple MSPs per person?
Citizens may be confused about who to contact for issues, as they are represented by 1 constituency MSP and 7 regional MSPs.
154
How does the system produce unstable governments?
Coalitions or minority governments may form, leading to lengthy discussions and compromises rather than quick decisions.
155
How does the voting system affect extremist parties?
It lowers the threshold for gaining a seat, allowing extremist parties more chance of gaining representation.
156
Give an example of an extremist party gaining votes.
The far-right party Independent Green Voice received over 2,000 votes in the Glasgow Region in 2021 but did not gain an MSP.
157
What is a disadvantage of having the second vote for a party rather than a candidate?
Voters don’t directly choose MSPs; MSPs are selected by parties, limiting voter choice.
158
How does the second vote affect the chance of a candidate being re-elected?
MSPs can be placed lower on party lists, reducing their chance of being re-elected even if voters want them in power.
