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Uk Government Content > Devolution > Flashcards

Devolution Flashcards

1
Q

Devolution definition

A

The transfer of political power, but not sovereignty, from central government to subnational government

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2
Q

What are primary legislative powers?

A

Authority to make laws on devolved policy
areas

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3
Q

What is nationalism?

A

A political ideology or movement that regards the nation as the main form of political community and believes nations should be self-governing

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4
Q

Why can British devolution be described as
‘asymmetric’?

A

Each devolved institution has different powers and distinctive features

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5
Q

Results of the 1979 Welsh Devolution
Referendum

A

Only 20% backed creating a Welsh Assembly

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6
Q

What parties supported devolution in the 90s?

A

Labour and the Lib Dems

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7
Q

Results of the 1997 Scottish Devolution
Referendum

A

74.3% supported creating a Scottish Assembly
65.5% supported giving them tax-varying powers

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8
Q

Results of the 1997 Welsh Devolution
Referendum

A

50.3% supported creating a Welsh Assembly

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9
Q

How many members in the Scottish
Parliament?

A

129 MSPs

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10
Q

What system is used to elect the Scottish
Parliament?

A

AMS

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11
Q

How many MSPs are elected using FPTP in Scottish Parliamentary elections?

A

73 (57% of the total)

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12
Q

How many MSPs are elected using List PR in Scottish Parliamentary elections?

A

56 (43% of the total)

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13
Q

Since 2007 what party has been the governing party in Scotland?

A

SNP

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14
Q

The SNP made a power-sharing deal with what party in 2021?

A

Scottish Greens
(The Greens gained two ministerial positions)

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15
Q

Scotland Act 1998

A

Scottish Parliament gained primary legislative power on issues including:
- Law and order
- Health
- Education
- Transport
- Environment
They also gained tax-raising powers

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16
Q

Example of a power held by Scotland and NI, but not Wales

A

Abortion law

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17
Q

Example of a power held by Scotland and
Wales, but not NI

A

Onshore gas and oil extraction

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18
Q

What are reserved powers?

A

Powers that remain the sole responsibility of
Westminster

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19
Q

What are some examples of reserved
powers?

A

• UK constitution
• Defence and national security
• Foreign policy (including EU relations)
• Nationality and immigration

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20
Q

How did the Scotland Act 2016 affect sovereignty?

A

• Westminster will not legislate on devolved powers without consent
Scottish Parliament is ‘a permanent part of the UK’s
constitutional arrangement
• Scottish Parliament cannot be abolished without a referendum

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21
Q

What is the SNP’s aim for an independent
Scotland?

A

SAME:
- Keep the pound
- Keep the King as head of state
DIFFERENT:
- Have their own written constitution
- Full responsibility for welfare, foreign and defence policy

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22
Q

Results of the 2014 Scotland Independence
Referendum

A

55.3% wanted to stay in the UK

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23
Q

Turnout of the 2014 Scotland Independence
Referendum

A

84.5% (very high)

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24
Q

What is ‘granting a section 30 order’?

A

The Westminster government permitting Scotland to hold a second independence referendum

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25
Q

How did the Scotland Act 2016 change tax powers?

A

• The Scottish Government receive 50% of VAT
• Gained control of income tax rates

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26
Q

What is the name of the Welsh devolved
government

A

Senedd Cymru, or Welsh Parliament

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27
Q

How many members are there in the Welsh
Parliament?

A

60

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28
Q

How many members of the Welsh Parliament are elected through FPTP?

A

40 (2/3)

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29
Q

How many members of the Welsh Parliament are elected using List PR

A

20 (1/3)

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30
Q

What electoral system does the Welsh
Parliament use?

A

AMS

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31
Q

Who is first minister of Wales?

A

Mark Drakeford

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32
Q

What party has been in power in the Welsh Parliament since 1999 (i.e. since creation)?

A

Labour

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33
Q

Government of Wales Act 2006

A

Allowed the Welsh Assembly to gain primary legislative powers if approved in a referendum (it was in 2011)

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34
Q

2011 Welsh Referendum on giving the Welsh Assembly primary legislative powers results?

A

64% voted in favour

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35
Q

Examples of issues that Wales has primary legislative power over

A

• Education
• Health
• Environment
• Transport

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36
Q

What commission considers whether Wales should get more devolution?

A

Silk Commission

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37
Q

Wales Act 2017

A

• Allowed Wales to vary income tax rates
• Gave them control of their own elections

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38
Q

Name of Welsh legislature

A

Welsh Parliament (formerly Welsh Assembly)

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39
Q

Percentage of Catholics in Northern Ireland

A

42%

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40
Q

What is unique about Northern Irish devolution?

A

Designed to have power sharing between two main parties

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41
Q

Number of members in the Northern Irish
Assembly

A

108

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42
Q

Electoral system in Northern Ireland

A

STV

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43
Q

What power does Nl not have that Wales and
Scotland have?

A

They have limited power to vary tax

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44
Q

What year was the Good Friday Agreement?

A

1998

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45
Q

What did the Good Friday Agreement establish?

A

Power-sharing between the Nationalist and Unionist parties in
Northern Ireland

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46
Q

What is ‘English Votes for English
Laws’ (EVEL)?

A

Procedure in the HoC for dealing with legislation that only affects England

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47
Q

Arguments FOR an English Parliament

A

• Complete devolution in the UK, equal between nations
• Creates more cohesion and clarity
• Allows for representation of ‘English ideas’

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48
Q

Arguments AGAINST an English Parliament

A

• Creates tension between the English and national governments
• England is much bigger than the rest of the Union and already dominates
• Only very limited support

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49
Q

What is the West Lothian Question?

A

Asks why MPs representing Scotland should be able to vote on purely English matters

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50
Q

Example of the West Lothian Question affecting legislation

A

A vote on tuition fees 2003 wouldn’t have passed without support from Scottish Labour MPs - even though Scotland controls its own education system

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51
Q

When was EVEL introduced?

A

2015

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52
Q

How does EVEL work?

A

When bills are introduced, the speaker decides if they will only affect England or not

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53
Q

What do opponents to EVEL suggest?

A

• It creates different classes of MPs, and creates a mini English Parliament within the actual Parliament
• Makes it harder for parties to pass legislation if they have a small majority

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54
Q

What % of people voted NO to created a
North-East Assembly in 2004?

A

78%

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55
Q

What are some arguments in favour of more
English devolution?

A

• Address political variation amongst different English regions
• Create balanced devolution as England is too large to have its own parliament

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56
Q

What are some arguments against more
English devolution?

A

• Few areas of England have strong regional identity (e.g. East Midlands?)
• Tensions between national and local government
• Little public support

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57
Q

How many members are in the London
Assembly?

A

25

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58
Q

Example of a policy introduced by the London
Mayor

A

Congestion charge, 2003

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59
Q

What is a ‘quasi-federal’ state?

A

While there are some federal characteristics, it is still fundamentally a unitary state

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60
Q

How has devolution limited parliamentary sovereignty?

A

While Parliament could - in theory - remove all devolved governments, they no longer have control over many policy areas.

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61
Q

How was parliamentary sovereignty changed by the 2016 Scotland Act?

A

Westminster could no longer legislate on devolved issues without consent

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62
Q

What is needed if Westminster wanted to remove devolution?

A

A referendum

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63
Q

Why do MPs from devolved regions have different responsibilities than English MPs?

A

In devolved regions, people tend to turn to their local government for domestic issues. Therefore, MPs tend to deal with economic and foreign affairs issues

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64
Q

Should the UK become federal? - YES

A

• More cohesion
• Resolve anomalies (e.g. West Lothian Question)
• Status and role of Westminster Parliament made clear

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65
Q

Should the UK become federal - NO

A

• England is too dominant and the different federal states would be unequal
• Is an English Parliament necessary when England already dominates Westminster
• Very little public desire

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66
Q

Example of policy divergence: prescription charges

A

England - Allowed
Wales - Abolished 2007
Scotland - Abolished 2011
NI - Abolished 2010

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67
Q

Example of policy divergence: school league tables

A

England - Allowed
Wales - Abolished 2001
Scotland - Abolished 2003
NI - Abolished 2001

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68
Q

What is the Barnett formula?

A

Formula which decides how much funding devolved regions get

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69
Q

Problem with the Barnett formula

A

Uneven spending per person; England gets less per person than the rest of the UK

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70
Q

Has devolution undermined the union? - YES

A

• Increased desire for Scottish independence
• Uneven between nations
• Turned from a unified nation into a quasi-federal one

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71
Q

Has devolution undermined the union? - NO

A

• Answered demands for more autonomy in Scotland, etc
• Process has happened smoothly with no major disputes
• Ended violence in Northern Ireland

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72
Q

How may Brexit affect devolution?

A

Most voters in Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain, which may create an increased desire to leave the UK and rejoin the EU

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73
Q

What is devolution?

A

The transfer of power from central government to subnational governments.

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74
Q

Why did Blair make devolution an essential part of New Labour’s programme?

A

It brought decision making closer to the people in an effort to constitutionally modernise the UK.

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75
Q

Why did Blair think the powers of devolution would strengthen the UK subnational ties?

A

Nationalist demands for greater self-determination would be satisfied.

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76
Q

How did devolution backfire on Blair?

A

• The SNP has become far more powerful in Scotland replacing
Labour.
• There has been criticism of the asymmetric nature of devolution (England not getting any, Wales getting some, Scotland getting all)

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77
Q

What was the Act known as that established the Scottish Parliament and Executive?

A

Scotland Act 1998.

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78
Q

What did the Scotland Act 1998 involve?

A

Devolution of primary legislative powers to Scotland, including:
• Local government
• Housing
• Environment
• Law and Order
• Education
• Health
• Income tax varying by 3p.

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79
Q

How has Scotland used their devolved
powers?

A

• Ban smoking in public places.
• Freedom of Information Act 2002.
• No tuition fees.
• Council tenants cannot purchase their housing.

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80
Q

What powers does Westminster reserve over
Scotland?

A

Issues such as:
• Foreign policy
• Defence
• Immigration
• Monetary policy

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81
Q

How were the promises for ‘extensive new powers’ to Scotland enacted?

A

The Smith Commission was established.
More powers were transferred, being:
• Varying the Rol tax by up to 10p.
• 50% of the proceeds of VAT in Scotland go to Scotland.
• Determining abortion laws.
• Deciding air passenger duty.
• Determining speed limits.

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82
Q

What is the most significant inclusion of the
Scottish Parliament Act?

A

Ensures the Scottish Parliament and Executive are permanent features of the UK constitution.
It can only be removed by referendum vote and not by Act of
Parliament.

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83
Q

What event caused further desire for independence?

A

The fervently remain vote in Scotland compared to the leave vote for the rest of England and Wales.

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84
Q

What event in 2017 suggested there was still desire for unionism between Scotland and the UK?

A

The SP lost considerable support since
2015.

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85
Q

Why does the independence movement have far less of an impact in Wales?

A

It was absorbed into the English state in Medieval times, not developing a distinct legal system.

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86
Q

Why has Welsh nationalism not seen as much success compared to
Scottish nationalism?

A

The Labour party tends to win South-Wales and Plaid Cymru wins in
North-Wales (far smaller).

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87
Q

Why was Wales offered less extensive devolved powers than
Scotland in 1997?

A

There is less desire for Welsh nationalism.

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88
Q

Why was Wales offered less extensive devolved powers than
Scotland in 1997?

A

There is less desire for Welsh nationalism.

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89
Q

Why was Wales offered less extensive devolved powers than
Scotland in 1997?

A

There is less desire for Welsh nationalism.

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90
Q
A

Powers over:
• Healthcare
• Education
• Transport
• Agriculture

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91
Q

What do Wales’ devolved powers mean in practice?

A

They get to decide how to implement Acts of Parliament which had been passed at Westminster.

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92
Q

What powers did the Wales Act 2014 devolve to Wales?

A

• Control over the number of taxes.
• Change of the name from Welsh Assembly Government to the
Welsh Government.

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93
Q

Why was Wales given powers over income tax?

A

George Osborne was a major proponent for decentralisation to encourage initiative without the need for referendum.

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94
Q

What powers did the Wales Act 2017 further devolve?

A

• Right to vary income tax by up to 10p.
• Power over electoral arrangements.
• Power over transport.
• Power over energy.
Establishes the Welsh government as a permanent feature of the UK constitution.

95
Q

Why has Northern Ireland seen a different path to devolution?

A

The Troubles.

96
Q

How was power to be shared under the Good
Friday Agreement 1998?

A

A power-sharing assembly to fairly represent both unionists and nationalists.

97
Q

Why is devolution in Northern Ireland seen as inseparable from the peace process?

A

Based on the principle that if unionists and nationalists can work together in assembly, then it should calm the sectarian violence.

98
Q

Why was STV used in Northern Ireland?

A

It is the most representative of all voting systems, so should reduce the chances of one party dominating.

99
Q

What are the rules of first minister and deputy first minister in
Northern Ireland?

A

The leader of the largest party is first minister.
The leader of the second largest party is deputy first minister.
If one resigns, then the other must also resign.

100
Q

What powers have been given to Northern
Ireland?

A

• Education
• Agriculture
• Transport
• Policing
• Housing
• Health and Social Services

101
Q

Does devolution mean a change in sovereignty?

A

No - the ultimate power remains with the central government.

102
Q

Where has power been devolved to in the UK?

A

Northern Ireland.
Scotland.
Wales.
Some regions of England.

103
Q

What was the result in Scotland?

A

51.6% yes out of 64% turnout

104
Q

What was the result of the 1997 Welsh
Devolution Referendum?

A

50.3% voted in favour of devolution with a turnout of 50.2%

105
Q

What was the result of the 1998 Northern Irish Good Friday
Agreement Referendum?

A

72% yes out of 81% turnout

106
Q

What are reserved powers?

A

Powers which affect the whole of the UK and are not suited to be handled separately.

107
Q

What is the Sewel Convention?

A

A constitutional convention which states that the Westminster
Parliament shall not legislate on areas of devolved power unless they are given permission to do so by the devolved assemblies.

108
Q

Which Act of Parliament saw the Sewel
Convention codified?

A

Scotland Act (2016).

109
Q

Since 2009, which body has arbitrated disagreements between the regions of the UK?

A

The Supreme Court.

110
Q

What did the Supreme Court rule?

A

That the Welsh Government had not exceeded its authority.

111
Q

How are the devolved administrations
funded?

A

via block grants from the Westminster
Government.

112
Q

Which formula is used to calculate funding?

A

The Barnett Formula.

113
Q

As of 2018, what is the rate of public spending per person in England?

A

£9,296

114
Q

Public spending as of 2018 in Scotland

A

£11,247

115
Q

Public spending as of 2018 in Wales

A

£10,656

116
Q

Rate of public spending per person Northern Ireland? As of 2018

A

£11,590

117
Q

Why might it be said that this disparity in funding is fair?

A

Population density - Scotland is more sparsely populated than
England - the cost of delivering public services in the Scottish
Highlands will inevitably be higher than in suburban South East
England.
The size of the public sector differs between countries - there is less privatisation than there is in England - water is nationalised in
Scotland.

118
Q

Why has the Barnett Formula been criticised in England?

A

People resent the fact that more money is being spent on Scottish, Welsh and Nothern Irish citizens than on English people, especially when provisions are offered in these countries that are not provided in England.

119
Q

Questions from Devolution: The West Lothian
Question

A

Why can Scottish and Northern Irish vote on English concerning only the UK but English MPs cant vote on devolved issues

120
Q

How did David Cameron’s Government try to solve the West Lothian
Question in 2015?

A

They added an additional Committee Stage - the Grand Committee Stage - to the legislative process. At this stage, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish MPs are not able to have a say on English laws.

121
Q

Did this solve the West Lothian Question? [david cameron’s additional committee stage]

A

No - all MPs would still be able to vote on the final version of a bill.
Plus, it was not easy to denote an English-only matter.

122
Q

Why do MPs from devolved regions claim that to have a vested interest in most legislation voted on by the Westminster Parliament?

A

Due to the mechanics of the Barnett Formula, the amount of money payed to the devolved areas is dependent upon how much the UK
Government spends.

123
Q

Who’s responsibility was it to decide whether a particular bill constituted an English-only matter?

A

The Speaker of the House of Commons.

124
Q

Give an example of the West Lothian
Question?

A

In 2016, the Conservative Goverment proposed to relax Sunday trading rules in England and Wales - the motion was defeated by 317 votes to 286. Had 59 SP MPs not voted against the change, the government would have won by 21 votes.

125
Q

Why they vote against it [relax sunday trading rules in england and wales]

A

They were concerned that the bill would affect wage rates in Scotland.

126
Q

What happened to EVEL during Covid?

A

It was suspended.

127
Q

What happened in 2021? [EVEL]

A

Parliament voted to abolish EVEL entirely.

128
Q

What did this demonstrate? [suspension of EVEL]

A

That, as a consitutional reform, it had not worked.

129
Q

What was the result of the 2014 Scottish
Independence Referendum?

A

55% - No
45% - Yes

130
Q

What percentage of Scottish people voted to remain in the EU in 2016?

A

62%

131
Q

Which voting system is used to elect MSPs?

A

AMS

132
Q

Over which legislative areas did the Scotland Act 1998 afford the
Scottish Parliament authority?

A

Healthcare.
Agriculture
Transport
Local Government.
Sports and Arts.
Tax policy.
Welfare.
Housing.
Education.
Environment.

133
Q

What did the 2012 Scotland Act do?

A

Gave the Scottish Parliament new borrowing powers.
Changed the name of the executive from the Scottish Executive to the Scottish Government.
Allowed for the introduction of new taxes.
Alowed Scotland to set its own national speed limit.
Increased tax varying power.

134
Q

What did the Scotland Act 2016 do?

A

Gave Scotland control over rail franchising.
Gave control of the social care system.
Gave the right to recieve 50% of all VAT raised in Scotland.

135
Q

What was the pro-union campaign called?

A

Better Together - supported by the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

136
Q

Why did the Scots not vote for independence?

A

THe UK treasury said that there would be no currency union. This would mean that an independent Scotland would have to create its
own currency.
The European Union said that Scotland could automatically become a member if they opted for independence - they would have to apply for membership like any other country.
David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband pledged to offer Devo max if Scotland voted to stay.

137
Q

Thus, what type of government did Northern Ireland have during this period?

A

Direct rule from Westminster.

138
Q

What happened between 2017 and 2020 in respect of the Northern
Irish budget?

A

It was set from Westminster - there was no devolved government.

139
Q

What type of government has Northern
Ireland had since 2020?

A

Coalition - DUP, Sinn Fein, UUP, SDLP, Alliance.

140
Q

What happened in 2019? [abortion/same sex marriage]

A

The UK Parliament legalised abortion and same-sex marriage in
Northern Ireland?

141
Q

Why was this controversial? (legalisation of abortion and same-sex marriage) in NI

A

It breached the spirit of the Sewell
Convention.

142
Q

Over which policy areas did the Northern Ireland Act 1998 give the Northern Irish Assembly authority?

A

Health and Social Services.
Education.
Agriculture.
Social Security.
Housing.
Local Government.
Transport.
Culture and Sport.

143
Q

How many seats are there in the Welsh
Parliament?

A

60

144
Q

Over which policy areas did the Government of Wales Act 1998 give the Welsh Assembly authority?

A

Agriculture.
Health.
Housing.
Local Government.
Social Services.

145
Q

What did the Government of Wales Act 2006 do?

A

Gave the Welsh Assembly the power to ask for further devolved
powers.
Allowed for an additional referendum to be held on primary legislative powers.

146
Q

What was the result of the 2011 Referendum on primary legislative powers?

A

64% Yes.

147
Q

What did the Wales Act 2014 do?

A

Devolved minor tax powers to Wales.

148
Q

What did the Wales Act 2017 do?

A

Devolved income tax varying power to Wales.
Devolved further powers over transport and energy to Wales.

149
Q

What happened during Covid?

A

Health is a devolved issue - the devolved administrations have responded to Covid differently.Health is a devolved issue - the devolved administrations have responded to Covid differently.

150
Q

Who has covid highlighted the positives of devolution?

A

Legislative laboratories.
Without a centralised, UK-wide approach, it was harder to contain
Covid - the four governments diverged on key polcies like testing and track and trace.

151
Q

Over which areas did the the Greater London Authority Act 199 give the Greater London Authority control?

A

Transport
Policing
Fire and Rescue
Development
Strategic Planning

152
Q

What did the Greater London Authority Act
2007 do?

A

extended the powers of the Greater London Authority to include
Climate change policy, waste managment and greater control over housing.

153
Q

devolution in wales and healthcare reforms

A

2013- organ transplant- from opt in to opt out- uk changed in 2020
2007- pay for prescription scrapped- northern ireland ended in 2010, scotland in 2011

154
Q

elected regional assemblies for

A

bring decision making closer to the people and address differing interests of english regions
enhance democracy and catalyst for economic and cultural representation
cornwall- strong regional identity

155
Q

What were Blair’s main themes for
constitutional reform?

A

• Decentralisation
• Democratisation
• Transparency
• Rights Protection

156
Q

Why did Blair consider the British constitution in desparate need of repair?

A

Power was too centralised in Westminster.
Citizens rights were insufficiently protected.
The government was unaccountable .. the public were disengaged from politics.

157
Q

Why did Blair consider decentralisation an important constitutional reform point, and how did Blair want to fix it?

A

Too much power was centralised in Westminster. (Thatcher)
Scotland and Wales were offered their own elected governments.
Cities and towns offered mayors.

158
Q

Why did Blair consider democratisation an important constitutional reform point, and how did Blair want to fix it?

A

There should be a greater usage of referendums on important constitutional reforms.
To encourage democracy, the HoL would be reformed.

159
Q

Why did Blair consider transparency an important constitutional reform point, and how did Blair want to fix it?

A

There is a lack of trust in government.
The senior judiciary would be reformed. Freedom of Information Acts would make the government more accountable.

160
Q

Why did Blair consider rights protection an important constitutional reform point, and how did Blair want to fix it?

A

There was a lack of human rights protection.
Incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
into UK Law.

161
Q

What was Labour’s flagship constitutional reform in 1997?

A

Devolution.

162
Q

How many peers were eligable to enter the
Lords in 1999?

A

1330.

163
Q

Why did hereditary peers undermine legitimacy of the Hol?

A

They were completely unelected, attending simply because they were aristocratic.

164
Q

What compromise did the Government make to persuade the Hol to accept reform?

A

Allowed hereditary peers to select 92 peers to remain in the HoL.

165
Q

Why did Labour want to reform the Hol in
2000?

A

The government wanted it to be a more professional body by ensuring membership was based on merit and accomplishment rather than hereditary status.

166
Q

Why have the Hol reforms been criticised?

A

Despite greater expertise, it still lacks democratic legitimacy.
Most life peers are appointed by PM, meaning political patronage becomes the main factor for appointment.

167
Q

What scandal happened as a result of the HoL reforms in 2000?

A

‘Cash for Honours’

168
Q

Why did Tony Blair recant on his interest for electoral reform?

A

His massive parliamentary majority in 1997 reduced his enthusiasm for reform.

169
Q

How did the Labour government look into changing the voting system?

A

Tasked Roy Jenkins (founder of the SDP to investigate alternatives to
FPTP.
It ignored the final recommendation.

170
Q

How did Labour enact the suggestions in the report to change from FPTP?

A

They did deice to adopt new electoral systems for the newly devolved assemblies.

171
Q

Why was the HRA so important?

A

For the first time, it positively stated the rights that British citizens could claim.

172
Q

What did supporters of the HRA act claim?

A

• Provided the judiciary with powers to protect civil liberties.
• Public bodies are now forced to act in accordance with the HRA.
• Parliament should legislate in accordance with the HRA.

173
Q

Why is it important to not exaggerate the rights of the HRA?

A

It is still an Act of Parliament.
.. Parliament maintains the ability to repeal the Act.
Article 15 of the HRA gives the government the right to suspend certain of it’s provisions.

174
Q

Where have the limitations of the HRA been
illustrated?

A

The Belmarsh Case 2004.
The Blair Government suspended the right to liberty to keep foreign terrorist suspects in custody without charge.

175
Q

What was the final major constitutional reform of Blair’s government?

A

Constitutional Reform Act 2005.
• The Hol is no longer a judiciary.
• Opening of the Supreme Court.
• Judicial Appointments Committee makes recommendations to the justice secretary on appointment of judges.
• The new head of judiciary is no longer a political figure.
• Creation of Lord Chief Justice.

176
Q

Why did Gordon Brown’s government not make any real constitutional change?

A

It was preoccupied with confroning the global economic meltdown of 2008.

177
Q

Why did Cameron have to be more open to constititional change than previous Conservative PM’S?

A

The Liberal Democrats (committed to updating the Constitution) were in coalition with the Conservatives.

178
Q

What was the major constititional reform that the coalition
government made?

A

Fixed-term Parliament Act 2011.

179
Q

Why was the Fixed-term Parliament Act 2011?

A

A general election should be held exactly 5 years after the previous.
Snap elections became much more difficult to call.
If the government loses a vote of no confidence or the Commons agrees to a General Election by 2/3 majority a GE can be called.

180
Q

.What happened to the Fixed-term Parliament
Act 2011?

A

It has since been repealed.

181
Q

Why did both the Conservative and Labour parties vehemently oppose electoral reform?

A

They are the biggest benefiters from FPTP.

182
Q

What was the main price that Cameron had to pay for coalition with the Liberal Democrats?

A

Offer a referendum on AV?

183
Q

What did critics of Clegg state about his AV referendum?

A

He should have asked for the AMS or STV. (The former still includes a
FPTP element)

184
Q

What was the coalition’s most positive legacy?

A

Giving backbench MPs more influence over previous governmental dominance.

185
Q

What committee explored increasing the power of backbench MPs?

A

The Wright Committee.

186
Q

What were the most significant points of the
Wright Committee?

A

• Parliamentary Backbench Committee was established.
• Membership of select committees is no longer decided by whips.
Now chosen by MPs in a secret ballot.
• Electronic petitions were introduced.

187
Q

How did the coalition further devolve power?

A

• Increasing legislative power in Wales.
• Scotland’s ability to vary income tax by 10p.
• The Scottish Government was given authority to borrow up to £5
billion.

188
Q

How did the coalition decentralise the police force?

A

Elected police and crime commissioners to be accountable to the public for regional policing.
(The turnouts are so low that they often lack democratic mandate.)

189
Q

How did the coalition increase trust in
politicians?

A

The Recall of MPs Act 2015.
A by-election could be demanded by constituents if an MP is sentenced to prison or is suspended from the Commons for more than 21 days.
10% of constituents must sign the recall act.

190
Q

Who was the first MP to fall foul of the Recall
of MPs Act?

A

lan Paisley.
Took a trip at the expense of the Sri Lankan government, then lobbied on their behalf.
He survived as only 9.4% of his constituents voted to trigger a by-election.

191
Q

How did Cameron incentivise the Scottish people to not vote for independence?

A

Extensive new powers would be granted to Scotland if they rejected independence.

192
Q

Why did Cameron introduce elected mayors in more cities?

A

Osborne was in favour of devolution.
He added mayors with no referendum in Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Liverpool City Region etc.

193
Q

How extensive are the powers of the mayors?

A

Quite extensive.
The Greater Manchester’s elected mayor is responsible for a £6 billion
social care and health budget.

194
Q

How did the Conservative government address the West Lothian question?

A

They introduced EVEL (English Votes for English Laws).
Only English MPs get votes on English laws.

195
Q

What is devolution?

A

The transfer of power from central government to subnational governments.

196
Q

Why did Blair make devolution an essential part of New Labour’s programme?

A

It brought decision making closer to the people in an effort to constitutionally modernise the UK.

197
Q

Why did Blair think the powers of devolution would strengthen the UK subnational ties?

A

Nationalist demands for greater self-determination would be satisfied.

198
Q

How did devolution backfire on Blair?

A

The SNP has become far more powerful in Scotland replacing
Labour.
• There has been criticism of the asymmetric nature of devolution
(England not getting any, Wales getting some, Scotland getting all)

199
Q

What was the Act known as that established the Scottish Parliament and Executive?

A

Scotland Act 1998.

200
Q

What did the Scotland Act 1998 involve?

A

Devolution of primary legislative powers to Scotland, including:
• Local government
• Housing
• Environment
• Law and Order
• Education
• Health
• Income tax varying by 3p.

201
Q

How has Scotland used their devolved powers?

A

• Ban smoking in public places.
• Freedom of Information Act 2002.
• No tuition fees.
• Council tenants cannot purchase their housing.

202
Q

What powers does Westminster reserve over
Scotland?

A

Issues such as:
• Foreign policy
• Defence
• Immigration
• Monetary policy

203
Q

How were the promises for ‘extensive new powers’ to Scotland enacted?

A

The Smith Commission was established.
More powers were transferred, being:
• Varying the Rol tax by up to 10p.
• 50% of the proceeds of VAT in Scotland go to Scotland.
• Determining abortion laws.
• Deciding air passenger duty.
• Determining speed limits.

204
Q

What is the most significant inclusion of the
Scottish Parliament Act?

A

Ensures the Scottish Parliament and Executive are permanent features of the UK constitution.
It can only be removed by referendum vote and not by Act of Parliament.

205
Q

What event caused further desire for independence?

A

The fervently remain vote in Scotland compared to the leave vote for the rest of England and Wales.

206
Q

What event in 2017 suggested there was still desire for unionism between Scotland and the UK?

A

The SNP lost considerable support since 2015.

207
Q

Why does the independence movement have far less of an impact in Wales?

A

It was absorbed into the English state in Medieval times, not developing a distinct legal system.

208
Q

Why has Welsh nationalism not seen as much success compared to
Scottish nationalism?

A

The Labour party tends to win South-Wales and Plaid Cymru wins in
North-Wales (far smaller).

209
Q

Why was Wales offered less extensive devolved powers than Scotland in 1997?

A

There is less desire for Welsh nationalism.

210
Q

What powers were Wales given due to devolution?

A

Powers over:
• Healthcare
• Education
• Transport
•Agriculture

211
Q

What do Wales’ devolved powers mean in practice?

A

They get to decide how to implement Acts of Parliament which had been passed at Westminster.

212
Q

What powers did the Wales Act 2014 devolve to Wales?

A

• Control over the number of taxes.
• Change of the name from Welsh Assembly Government to the
Welsh Government.

213
Q

• Control over the number of taxes.
• Change of the name from Welsh Assembly Government to the
Welsh Government.

A

George Osborne was a major proponent for decentralisation to encourage initiative without the need for referendum.

214
Q

What powers did the Wales Act 2017 further devolve?

A

Right to vary income tax by up to 10p.
• Power over electoral arrangements.
• Power over transport.
• Power over energy.
Establishes the Welsh government as a permanent feature of the UK constitution.

215
Q

Why has Northern Ireland seen a different path to devolution?

A

The Troubles.

216
Q

How was power to be shared under the Good
Friday Agreement 1998?

A

A power-sharing assembly to fairly represent both unionists and nationalists.

217
Q

Why is devolution in Northern Ireland seen as inseparable from the peace process?

A

Based on the principle that if unionists and nationalists can work together in assembly, then it should calm the sectarian violence.

218
Q

Why was STV used in Northern Ireland?

A

It is the most representative of all voting systems, so should reduce the chances of one party dominating.

219
Q

What are the rules of first minister and deputy first minister in
Northern Ireland?

A

The leader of the largest party is first minister.
The leader of the second largest party is deputy first minister.
If one resigns, then the other must also resign.

220
Q

What powers have been given to Northern
Ireland?

A

• Education
• Agriculture
• Transport
• Policing
• Housing
• Health and Social Services

221
Q

How have critics argued the constitutional reforms have not gone far enough?

A

• Devolution has not been granted to England.
• HoL still lacks democratic legitimacy.
• ECHR has been incorporated into UK law, but citizen’s rights have not been entrenched in a constitution.

222
Q

Why do people argue against further HoL reform?

A

It contains experts from every field, making their scrutiny high quality.
The Ho prevails due to their democratic legitimacy, preventing gridlock between the two houses.

223
Q

Why did the case for electoral reform seem important in 2015?

A

A multiparty democracy seemed more likely.
UKIP and Green won 5 million votes but only won 2 seats.

224
Q

Why has the case for electoral reform curtailed since 2015?

A

In 2017, Conservatives and Labour took 82.4% of the popular vote.

225
Q

What are the arguments in favour of further devolution to England?

A

• England is the most populous region, yet does not have their own government.
• There is a popular case for devolution.
• There is an asymmetric UK.
• The Bartnett Formula means that spending per capita in England is less than in other regions in the UK.
• Regional identity is strong in regions such as Cornwall and Yorkshire.

226
Q

What are the arguments against English devolution?

A

• Most English people are content that their interests are sufficiently represented in Parliament.
• EVEL mostly addressed the West Lothian question.
• An English Parliament could threaten the Westminster Parliament.
• Not all areas of the UK have a strong sense of regional identity.
• There could be a democratic overload which would undermine the legitimacy of any results.

227
Q

What are the other countries that do not have
a codified constitution?

A

Isreal, Saudi Arabia, Canada and New Zealand.

228
Q

What is the main criticism of the lack of a codified constitution?

A

There is no protection for the Bill of Rights.

229
Q

What did Lord Hailsham warn about
Parliament?

A

It could become an ‘elective dictatorship’ because there are so few constraints on the influence of government.

230
Q

What problems would the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 have run into in an instance with a codified constitution?

A

Civil liberties would have been protected in a codified constitution.

231
Q

What have the criticisms of EVEL said?

A

It is an inherent advantage for Conservative governments, and disadvantage for Labour governments.
Conservatives tend to win most, if not all, of their seats in England.

232
Q

Why are there supporters of the UK’s uncodified constitution?

A

• It allows legislation to respond to social developments.
• British constitution is highly democratic.

233
Q

Should the UK have a codified constitution with an entrenched Bill of
Rights? (Yes)

A

• Protections from arbitrary government.
• Acts of Parliament can suspend provisions from other governments.
• The authority of the Supreme Court would be enhanced.
• A codified constitution would clarify the relationship between branches of government.
• Minority rights can be more protected.

Uk Government Content (20 decks)

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