Democracy (knowledge)

Question 1

Features of Democracy

Answer 1

Free and fair elections – no corruption or intimidation

Rule of law – everyone is equal under the law

Freedom of speech and press – citizens can express opinions

Question 2

Devolved Matters

Answer 2

Education

Health and NHS Scotland

Transport (like roads and rail)

Question 3

Reserved matters

Answer 3

Defence and the armed forces

Immigration and visas

Foreign affairs and international aid

Question 4

Duties of The First Minister

Answer 4

Leads the Scottish Government

Sets government priorities and policies

Appoints Cabinet Secretaries (ministers)

Represents Scotland in the UK and abroad

Question 5

Representation in Scotland

Answer 5

MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament) – deal with devolved matters.

MPs (Members of Parliament at Westminster) – deal with reserved matters.

Local councillors – deal with community services like housing and schools.

Question 6

Parliamentary work of an MSP

Answer 6

Propose, debate, and vote on laws

Debating issues raised in the Parliament

Voting on decisions and new laws

Asking questions at First Minister’s Question time

Sitting on Committees to consider proposed new laws (Bills) and scrutinising the work of government departments

Question 7

Committees in the Scottish Parliament

Answer 7

Propose, discuss and scrutinise legislation

Review the work of the Scottish government

Investigate issue or make recommendations

Question 8

Constituency work of an MSP

Answer 8

MSPs attend local meetings and events where they meet and discuss important issues with groups of constituents

MSPs respond to letters, emails and social media communications sent to their office by local people and organisations who want their support

Question 9

Representation of Women and Minority Groups

Answer 9

Gender balance is improving – over 40% of MSPs are women (as of 2021)

Some parties use quotas or “zipping” (alternating men and women on party lists)

Question 10

Participation in Scotland

Answer 10

Vote in elections

Stand for office (e.g. become a councillor or MSP)

Join a political party

Support pressure groups or campaigns

Sign petitions or write to MSPs

Use social media to raise issues or take part in debates

Question 11

Rights of Scottish Citizens

Answer 11

Vote in elections (from age 16 in Scottish Parliament elections)

Join a political party or protest peacefully

Freedom of expression

Question 12

Responsibilities of Scottish Citizens

Answer 12

Respect the law and others’ rights

Participate in democracy (e.g. vote, engage with issues)

Pay taxes

Question 13

Opportunities for Participation

Answer 13

Elections – local councils, Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament.

Campaigns – leaflets, canvassing, social media.

Public consultations – government asks for public views before laws change.

Petitions – Holyrood accepts public petitions on any issue.

Question 14

Elections and Campaigning for Parties

Answer 14

Parties create manifestos (list of promises)

Campaigning includes:
- Door-to-door canvassing
- TV debates and interviews
- Social media posts and ads

Campaigns are regulated to prevent unfair spending and false information

Question 15

First Past The Post

Answer 15

First Past The Post - the candidate with the most votes wins. It’s used for UK MPs and Scottish constituency MSPs.

Question 16

Additional Member System

Answer 16

Voters have 2 votes:
- One for a constituency MSP (First Past the Post)
- One for a regional party list (Proportional Representation)

Question 17

Adv to AMS

Answer 17

Voters have more choice - their first vote can be used to choose a local representative from one party but the second (list) vote may be used for a different party

AMS is fairer to all parties since it is more in proportion to the view of voters. This allows small parties like the Greens to be represented in Parliament.

More representation - a greater number of parties will be represented in the government, including minority parties that would not be represented under first past the post.

Question 18

Disadv to AMS

Answer 18

Elections using AMS are more complicated

AMS makes it more difficult for one party to form a majority government, so coalitions are more likely. This can make decision making difficult since, in a minority government, MSPs need to compromise more

Although AMS is a proportional representation system, it is not the most proportional of systems

Question 19

Influences on Democracy - The Media

Answer 19

Informs the public

Investigates wrongdoing

Can influence public opinion

Question 20

Influences on Democracy - Pressure Groups

Answer 20

Focus on single issues (e.g. Friends of the Earth)

Use protests, petitions, and lobbying

Question 21

Influences on Democracy - Trade Union

Answer 21

Represent workers’ rights

Negotiate pay and working conditions

Influence political parties and policy