Devolution

Question 1

What is devolution in the UK?

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

How many elected members are in the Northern Ireland Assembly?

Answer 2

90 elected members.

Question 3

What voting system is used in the Northern Ireland Assembly?

Answer 3

STV voting system.

Question 4

What is the significance of the Northern Ireland Assembly being suspended between 2017-2020?

Answer 4

It was suspended due to a collapse of power-sharing between the DUP and Sinn Féin.

Question 5

What year was the referendum that approved devolution in Northern Ireland?

Answer 5

1998.

Question 6

What was the result of the 1998 referendum on devolution in Northern Ireland?

Answer 6

71% in favor, 29% against.

Question 7

What did the Scotland Act 1998 establish?

Answer 7

It established the Scottish Parliament with primary legislative powers in various domestic areas.

Question 8

What areas does the Scottish Parliament have authority over?

Answer 8

• Law
• Health
• Education
• Justice
• Income tax (up to 3p in the pound)

Question 9

What tax powers were granted to the Scottish Parliament by the Scotland Act 2012?

Answer 9

Significant tax-raising powers.

Question 10

How many elected members are in the Scottish Parliament?

Answer 10

129 elected members.

Question 11

What is the voting system used in the Scottish Parliament?

Answer 11

AMS voting system.

Question 12

What does the Government of Wales Act 2006 enable?

Answer 12

It enabled the assembly to request further powers from Westminster and gain primary legislative powers.

Question 13

What was the purpose of the Wales Act 2014?

Answer 13

It transferred some tax-raising powers to the Welsh government.

Question 14

What is the number of elected members in the National Assembly for Wales?

Answer 14

60 elected members.

Question 15

What is the role of the UK Parliament in relation to devolved matters?

Answer 15

It remains responsible for policies that affect just England, as well as overall policy.

Question 16

True or False: The Northern Ireland Assembly has had its powers increased significantly since its inception.

Answer 16

False.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: The Northern Ireland Assembly was created by the _______.

Answer 17

[Good Friday Agreement 1998].

Question 18

What has devolution allowed in the UK?

Answer 18

It has allowed regional political differences to be recognised

Question 19

What is the income tax rate for the highest earners in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK?

Answer 19

46p in the pound for those earning over £150,000 pa in Scotland, compared to 45p in the rest of the UK

Question 20

How has devolution strengthened the union between regions?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What has been the public response to devolution in Wales?

Answer 21

It has proved popular with voters, particularly when comparing the referendum results of 1997 and 2011

Question 22

What role has devolution played in Northern Ireland?

Answer 22

It has been vital to enabling the peace process and cross-community cooperation

Question 23

What variety has devolution enabled in electoral systems?

Answer 23

It has enabled a variety of electoral systems to be used and shown that minority or cross-party government can work

Question 24

What innovation in policy-making has devolution encouraged?

Answer 24

It has encouraged innovation and allowed devolved assemblies to function as legislative laboratories

Question 25

Fill in the blank: The Scottish government's 2006 decision to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces was then extended to _______.

Answer 25

Wales, Northern Ireland and England

Question 26

What inequality has arisen due to devolution in public services?

Answer 26

University tuition is free in Scotland but costs over £9,000 pa in England; prescriptions are free in Wales and Scotland but not in England

Question 27

How has devolution affected demands for independence?

Answer 27

It has encouraged demands for greater separation and full independence, weakening the unity of the UK

Question 28

What was the result of the Scottish referendum regarding independence?

Answer 28

The result was quite close at 55%-45%

Question 29

What has Brexit highlighted in relation to devolution?

Answer 29

It highlighted divisions within the UK, as both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted heavily to Remain

Question 30

What has the SNP called for in relation to independence?

Answer 30

A second independence referendum

Question 31

True or False: Devolution has led to additional momentum for the replacement of first-past-the-post for general elections.

Answer 31

False

Question 32

What issue has been problematic in Northern Ireland regarding devolution?

Answer 32

Cross-party working has proved problematic at times and led to gridlock

Question 33

Fill in the blank: Policy ideas such as banning smoking in enclosed public places would have happened anyhow via _______.

Answer 33

Westminster

Question 34

What evidence suggests community relations and devolution remain fragile?

Answer 34

The prolonged suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 2017 to 2020

Question 35

What significant act established that Westminster cannot legislate in devolved matters without consent?

Answer 35

The Scotland Act 2016 ## Footnote This act is crucial for the devolution of powers to Scotland.

Question 36

What is the impact of uni tuition on society?

Answer 36

Effects include changes in access to education and financial burdens on students ## Footnote The impact can vary based on different socioeconomic factors.

Question 37

What did the Scottish Parliament vote to ban?

Answer 37

Smacking children ## Footnote This reflects a significant shift in child protection policies.

Question 38

What type of governance is characterized by a balance of power in devolved assemblies?

Answer 38

Multiparty governance ## Footnote This system encourages collaboration among multiple political parties.

Question 39

What voting system encourages greater constituency representation?

Answer 39

Alternative Voting System ## Footnote This system allows voters to rank candidates, potentially increasing voter satisfaction.

Question 40

True or False: The control weakness refers to the inability of devolved assemblies to make decisions independently.

Answer 40

True ## Footnote This highlights the limitations placed on devolved governments.

Question 41

Fill in the blank: The _______ group is associated with Scottish governance.

Answer 41

Precove Group ## Footnote This group plays a role in the legislative process in Scotland.

Question 42

What does the term 'federal' imply in the context of governance?

Answer 42

A system where power is divided between central and regional governments ## Footnote This structure allows for local governance while maintaining national unity.

Question 43

What are some consequences of hospital departure policies?

Answer 43

Increased pressure on emergency services and potential gaps in patient care ## Footnote These policies can significantly affect healthcare delivery.

Question 44

What is a key characteristic of devolved assemblies?

Answer 44

They have the authority to legislate on certain matters while being accountable to their regions ## Footnote This allows for localized decision-making tailored to specific regional needs.