Devolution Flashcards
(44 cards)
What is devolution in the UK?
The delegation of decision-making powers away from the center (Parliament) to the regions that have their own elected assemblies/parliaments that make laws themselves.
How many elected members are in the Northern Ireland Assembly?
90 elected members.
What voting system is used in the Northern Ireland Assembly?
STV voting system.
What is the significance of the Northern Ireland Assembly being suspended between 2017-2020?
It was suspended due to a collapse of power-sharing between the DUP and Sinn Féin.
What year was the referendum that approved devolution in Northern Ireland?
1998.
What was the result of the 1998 referendum on devolution in Northern Ireland?
71% in favor, 29% against.
What did the Scotland Act 1998 establish?
It established the Scottish Parliament with primary legislative powers in various domestic areas.
What areas does the Scottish Parliament have authority over?
- Law
- Health
- Education
- Justice
- Income tax (up to 3p in the pound)
What tax powers were granted to the Scottish Parliament by the Scotland Act 2012?
Significant tax-raising powers.
How many elected members are in the Scottish Parliament?
129 elected members.
What is the voting system used in the Scottish Parliament?
AMS voting system.
What does the Government of Wales Act 2006 enable?
It enabled the assembly to request further powers from Westminster and gain primary legislative powers.
What was the purpose of the Wales Act 2014?
It transferred some tax-raising powers to the Welsh government.
What is the number of elected members in the National Assembly for Wales?
60 elected members.
What is the role of the UK Parliament in relation to devolved matters?
It remains responsible for policies that affect just England, as well as overall policy.
True or False: The Northern Ireland Assembly has had its powers increased significantly since its inception.
False.
Fill in the blank: The Northern Ireland Assembly was created by the _______.
[Good Friday Agreement 1998].
What has devolution allowed in the UK?
It has allowed regional political differences to be recognised
What is the income tax rate for the highest earners in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK?
46p in the pound for those earning over £150,000 pa in Scotland, compared to 45p in the rest of the UK
How has devolution strengthened the union between regions?
By creating a best of both worlds scenario, where devolved regions are autonomous in many domestic policy areas but benefit from being part of a larger nation in defence and international trade
What has been the public response to devolution in Wales?
It has proved popular with voters, particularly when comparing the referendum results of 1997 and 2011
What role has devolution played in Northern Ireland?
It has been vital to enabling the peace process and cross-community cooperation
What variety has devolution enabled in electoral systems?
It has enabled a variety of electoral systems to be used and shown that minority or cross-party government can work
What innovation in policy-making has devolution encouraged?
It has encouraged innovation and allowed devolved assemblies to function as legislative laboratories