Devolution Flashcards
(34 cards)
What is Primary Legislation?
The main laws passed by a legislative body of the UK, including the UK Parliament.
What is Secondary Legislation?
Laws created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament. Also known as ‘delegated’ or ‘subordinate’ legislation.
What campaign increased the popularity of the Scottish National Party in the late 1960s and early 1970s?
The ‘It’s Scotland’s Oil’ campaign.
What was the purpose of the Kilbrandon Commission established in 1969?
To examine the structures of the constitution of the United Kingdom and to consider any necessary changes.
What did the 1978 Scotland Act require for its coming into force?
A post-legislative referendum in Scotland.
What was the turnout percentage for the referendum related to the 1978 Scotland Act?
64%.
What was the result of the 1978 Scotland Act referendum?
51.6% supported the proposal, but only 32.9% of the registered electorate approved it.
What was Labour’s manifesto commitment regarding Scottish devolution in 1997?
Another referendum on Scottish devolution.
What were the two questions asked in the 1997 pre-legislative referendum?
- I agree/do not agree there should be a Scottish parliament
- I agree/do not agree that a Scottish parliament should have tax-varying powers.
What was the outcome of the 1997 referendum on Scottish devolution?
Yes-Yes won with 74% agreeing on question 1 and 63% agreeing on question 2.
What did Tony Blair state after the 1997 referendum results?
“The era of big centralised government is over.”
What does the 1998 Scotland Act specify regarding the Scottish Parliament’s powers?
It specifies the matters over which the Scottish Parliament does not have control (reserved powers).
What are some selected reserved powers under the 1998 Scotland Act?
- The constitution
- Foreign affairs
- Civil service
- Defence
- Treason
- Macroeconomic policy
- Pensions
- Immigration
- Energy
- Benefits.
What funding method is primarily used for the Scottish Parliament?
A block grant using the Barnett Formula.
What power does Scotland have regarding income tax under the 1998 Scotland Act?
The power to vary the income tax rate by up to 3%.
Who appoints the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament?
The Parliament itself.
What is the role of the UK Supreme Court in relation to the Scottish Parliament?
It is the final appellate court.
What question did Tam Dalyell raise in 1977 regarding devolution?
Whether it was right that MPs from devolved regions could vote on laws affecting only England while English MPs could not.
What was the purpose of the McKay Commission set up in 2011?
To examine the consequences of devolution for the House of Commons.
What did the McKay Commission recommend?
English Votes for English Laws (EVEL).
What happened to EVEL in 2021?
It was scrapped.
What is a positive impact of devolution on democracy in the UK?
Democracy has been enhanced as government is more region-sensitive.
What is one example of a policy laboratory resulting from devolution?
The Scottish first smoking ban.
What do electorates within the devolved regions express regarding devolution?
That it is the preferred system of government.
