Democracy In Scotland #4: Representation Flashcards
(6 cards)
“Explain, in detail, the purpose of committees in Scottish politics.” (6)
One purpose of Committees within the Scottish parliament is to look at legislation. This that means members of committees review new policies/bills and try to work out any flaws. Evidence of this is the delegated powers and law reform committee looked into the affirmative procedure during the coronavirus pandemic. (December 2021)
One purpose of committees is to hold informal sessions to investigate issues. This means that the committee can hold evidence sessions where they inform their view on the strategy. Evidence of this is the Education, Children and Young People committee held its evidence sessions ahead of a planned refresh of the child safety strategy.
“Explain, in detail, the composition of committees in Scottish politics.” (6)
One person who makes up a committee is the convener, this means that they have the power to chair committee meetings and speak on behalf of the committee. Evidence of this is Karen Adam who is convener of the Equalities, human rights and civil justice committee.
Another person who makes up a committee is the deputy convener. This means that they take on the convener’s responsibilities when they are not available, such as chairing committee meetings. Evidence of this is that Maggie Chapman is deputy convener of the Equality, human rights and civil justice committee.
“Describe, in detail, ways in which MSPs can represent their constituents in the Scottish Parliament.” (8)
One role of MSPs is to visit schools. This means that they can help to promote democracy and influence the younger audience who are going to vote soon or who can already vote. Evidence of this is that Kirsty Blackman MSP visited St Margaret’s and talked to girls about being an MSP and politics in Scotland.
Another role of MSPs is to visit local businesses. This means that MSPs are able to learn about businesses’ worries/ concerns and what is important to the community. Evidence of this is that Siobhan Brown attended the opening of the new Early Cancer Diagnostic Centre in Ayr, 2021.
Another role of MSPs is to hold surgeries. This means that MSPs pick a local venue or via online, holds a gathering where the constituents can ask questions/ pose concerns. Evidence of this is that Siobhan Brown MSP holds virtual Surgeries on Fridays from 11am to 12pm.
“Describe, in detail, how women and minorities are underrepresented in Scottish politics.” (8)
One way in which women have poor levels of representation in the Scottish Parliament is in the number of MSPs. This means that despite woman making up the majority of the population in Scotland, they are underrepresented in the Scottish parliament. Evidence of this is woman make up around 51% of Scottish population, while only taking up 46% of MSPs in Scotland. (Sept 2024)
Another way in which women have poor levels of representation in Scottish parliament when compared to other countries. This means that the Scottish parliament is ranked fairly average in terms of representation of women. Evidence of this is Scotland ranks 28th in the world for fair representation of women in parliament.
One way in which ethnic minorities are underrepresented in Scottish politics is through the number of disabled MSPs. This means that the number of disabled MSPs is disproportionate to the amount of disabled people living on Scotland. Evidence of this is that there are only 6/129 disabled MSPs but in 2017, the Scottish Health Survey estimated that 45% of adults have a long term condition or illness.
“Explain, in detail, reasons why women and minorities are underrepresented in Scottish politics.” (6)
One reason why women are underrepresented in Scottish politics is due to sexism. This means that women have traditionally been excluded from politics and may feel discouraged to participate as sexist voters will be reluctant to vote for them. Evidence of this is that Nicola Sturgeon has been the only female first minister.
One reason why ethnic minorities are underrepresented in Scottish politics is due to racism. This means that ethnic minorities have traditionally been excluded from politics and may feel discouraged to participate as racist/ prejudice white voters will be reluctant to vote for them. Evidence of this is that Humza Yousaf has been the only non-white first minister.
“Explain, in detail, ways representation of women and minorities is increasing in Scottish politics.” (6)
One way in which female representation in the Scottish parliament is improving is that there is more female MSPs every year, showing that inclusion is increasing. This means that there is a greater number of Female MSPs in parliament. Evidence of this is between 2016 and 2021 there was an increase of 24 female MSPs.
One way that minorities have improving levels of representation in Scotland is that there is an increasing number of disabled people in Parliament. This means that representation of disabled people in parliament is growing. Evidence of this is that within 5 years, the number of disabled MSPs increased by 5 from 1/129 (2016) to 6/129 (2021)
Another way in which female representation in the Scottish Parliament is improving is better representation of women in government roles. This means that everyone is treated equally no matter their gender.Evidence of this is that the 2014 Nicola sturgeon set the first 50:50 Gender equality in the cabinet.
