Devolution Flashcards

(44 cards)

1
Q

What is devolution in the UK?

A

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.

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2
Q

How many elected members are in the Northern Ireland Assembly?

A

90 elected members.

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3
Q

What voting system is used in the Northern Ireland Assembly?

A

STV voting system.

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4
Q

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

A

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

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5
Q

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

A

1998.

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6
Q

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

A

71% in favor, 29% against.

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7
Q

What did the Scotland Act 1998 establish?

A

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

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8
Q

What areas does the Scottish Parliament have authority over?

A
  • Law
  • Health
  • Education
  • Justice
  • Income tax (up to 3p in the pound)
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9
Q

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

A

Significant tax-raising powers.

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10
Q

How many elected members are in the Scottish Parliament?

A

129 elected members.

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11
Q

What is the voting system used in the Scottish Parliament?

A

AMS voting system.

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12
Q

What does the Government of Wales Act 2006 enable?

A

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

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13
Q

What was the purpose of the Wales Act 2014?

A

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

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14
Q

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

A

60 elected members.

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15
Q

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

A

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

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16
Q

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

A

False.

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17
Q

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

A

[Good Friday Agreement 1998].

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18
Q

What has devolution allowed in the UK?

A

It has allowed regional political differences to be recognised

19
Q

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

A

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

20
Q

How has devolution strengthened the union between regions?

A

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

21
Q

What has been the public response to devolution in Wales?

A

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

22
Q

What role has devolution played in Northern Ireland?

A

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

23
Q

What variety has devolution enabled in electoral systems?

A

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

24
Q

What innovation in policy-making has devolution encouraged?

A

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

25
Fill in the blank: The Scottish government's 2006 decision to ban smoking in enclosed public spaces was then extended to _______.
Wales, Northern Ireland and England
26
What inequality has arisen due to devolution in public services?
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
27
How has devolution affected demands for independence?
It has encouraged demands for greater separation and full independence, weakening the unity of the UK
28
What was the result of the Scottish referendum regarding independence?
The result was quite close at 55%-45%
29
What has Brexit highlighted in relation to devolution?
It highlighted divisions within the UK, as both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted heavily to Remain
30
What has the SNP called for in relation to independence?
A second independence referendum
31
True or False: Devolution has led to additional momentum for the replacement of first-past-the-post for general elections.
False
32
What issue has been problematic in Northern Ireland regarding devolution?
Cross-party working has proved problematic at times and led to gridlock
33
Fill in the blank: Policy ideas such as banning smoking in enclosed public places would have happened anyhow via _______.
Westminster
34
What evidence suggests community relations and devolution remain fragile?
The prolonged suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly from 2017 to 2020
35
What significant act established that Westminster cannot legislate in devolved matters without consent?
The Scotland Act 2016 ## Footnote This act is crucial for the devolution of powers to Scotland.
36
What is the impact of uni tuition on society?
Effects include changes in access to education and financial burdens on students ## Footnote The impact can vary based on different socioeconomic factors.
37
What did the Scottish Parliament vote to ban?
Smacking children ## Footnote This reflects a significant shift in child protection policies.
38
What type of governance is characterized by a balance of power in devolved assemblies?
Multiparty governance ## Footnote This system encourages collaboration among multiple political parties.
39
What voting system encourages greater constituency representation?
Alternative Voting System ## Footnote This system allows voters to rank candidates, potentially increasing voter satisfaction.
40
True or False: The control weakness refers to the inability of devolved assemblies to make decisions independently.
True ## Footnote This highlights the limitations placed on devolved governments.
41
Fill in the blank: The _______ group is associated with Scottish governance.
Precove Group ## Footnote This group plays a role in the legislative process in Scotland.
42
What does the term 'federal' imply in the context of governance?
A system where power is divided between central and regional governments ## Footnote This structure allows for local governance while maintaining national unity.
43
What are some consequences of hospital departure policies?
Increased pressure on emergency services and potential gaps in patient care ## Footnote These policies can significantly affect healthcare delivery.
44
What is a key characteristic of devolved assemblies?
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.