{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Brainscape", "url": "https://www.brainscape.com/", "logo": "https://www.brainscape.com/pks/images/cms/public-views/shared/Brainscape-logo-c4e172b280b4616f7fda.svg", "sameAs": [ "https://www.facebook.com/Brainscape", "https://x.com/brainscape", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/brainscape", "https://www.instagram.com/brainscape/", "https://www.tiktok.com/@brainscapeu", "https://www.pinterest.com/brainscape/", "https://www.youtube.com/@BrainscapeNY" ], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "telephone": "(929) 334-4005", "contactType": "customer service", "availableLanguage": ["English"] }, "founder": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Andrew Cohen" }, "description": "Brainscape’s spaced repetition system is proven to DOUBLE learning results! Find, make, and study flashcards online or in our mobile app. Serious learners only.", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "159 W 25th St, Ste 517", "addressLocality": "New York", "addressRegion": "NY", "postalCode": "10001", "addressCountry": "USA" } }

Devolution Flashcards

(60 cards)

1
Q

What is devolution?

A

The statutory delegation of powers from the UK central government to subnational governments (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), allowing them to make decisions on certain matters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the difference between devolution and federalism?

A

Devolution powers can be revoked by the central government; federalism constitutionally divides sovereignty between central and regional governments.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the three types of devolution?

A

Legislative devolution, administrative devolution, and financial devolution.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the main aims of devolution in the UK?

A

Accommodate national identities, improve governance by local decision-making, reduce independence demands, increase political stability.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

When did devolution first occur in the UK?

A

1998, after the 1997 referendums.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Which Prime Minister introduced the modern devolution settlements?

A

Tony Blair.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What legislation established devolution in Scotland and Wales?

A

Scotland Act 1998 and Government of Wales Act 1998.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is the difference between primary and secondary legislative powers?

A

Primary powers allow making new laws; secondary powers allow making detailed regulations under those laws.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the Scottish Parliament?

A

A devolved legislature with law-making powers on many domestic issues.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

When was the Scottish Parliament established?

A

1999.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What electoral system is used in Scottish Parliament elections?

A

Mixed Member Proportional (Additional Member System).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What powers does the Scottish Parliament have?

A

Powers over health, education, justice, environment, transport, and some taxation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the reserved powers held by Westminster in Scotland?

A

Defense, foreign affairs, immigration, constitutional matters, monetary policy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the Barnett Formula?

A

A formula to allocate public spending to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland relative to England.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What tax powers does the Scottish Parliament have?

A

Control over income tax rates/bands, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, and other devolved taxes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How did the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum affect devolution?

A

Though independence was rejected, it led to more powers for Scotland via the 2016 Scotland Act.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What were the consequences of the 2016 Scotland Act?

A

Expanded tax and welfare powers were devolved to Scotland.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

When was the Welsh Assembly established?

A

1999.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the difference between the Senedd and the Welsh Assembly?

A

The Senedd (Welsh Parliament) replaced the Welsh Assembly in 2020, reflecting increased legislative powers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What electoral system is used for Welsh Senedd elections?

A

Additional Member System (mixed proportional).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How has devolution evolved in Wales since 1999?

A

Powers have expanded from administrative to primary law-making powers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What powers does the Welsh Senedd currently have?

A

Law-making in areas like health, education, transport, and some taxation powers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What was the result of the 2011 Welsh devolution referendum?

A

Welsh voters approved giving the Senedd primary legislative powers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are examples of devolved powers in Wales?

A

Health, education, transport, environment, agriculture.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What is the Northern Ireland Assembly?
The devolved legislature governing Northern Ireland with power-sharing arrangements.
26
What is the Good Friday Agreement?
1998 peace agreement establishing devolved government and power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
27
When was the Northern Ireland Assembly first established?
1998.
28
What electoral system is used in Northern Ireland Assembly elections?
Single Transferable Vote (STV).
29
What is the principle of power-sharing in Northern Ireland?
Executive power is shared between unionist and nationalist parties to ensure cross-community cooperation.
30
Which parties are typically involved in Northern Ireland power-sharing?
Mainly the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin.
31
How has devolution in Northern Ireland been affected by political deadlock?
Periodic suspension of the Assembly due to disagreements between parties.
32
What powers does the Northern Ireland Assembly have?
Powers over health, education, justice, transport, agriculture, and more.
33
What is the West Lothian Question?
Why MPs from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can vote on England-only matters in Westminster, but English MPs cannot vote on devolved matters.
34
What is the purpose of English Votes for English Laws (EVEL)?
To give English MPs exclusive voting rights on England-only legislation.
35
What is the argument for an English Parliament?
To provide England with its own devolved legislature, avoiding the West Lothian Question.
36
What are city region mayors and how do they fit into English devolution?
Elected mayors overseeing combined authorities with devolved powers over transport, housing, and economic development.
37
What powers do metro mayors like Andy Burnham and Sadiq Khan have?
Control over transport budgets, strategic planning, housing initiatives, and skills funding.
38
What are combined authorities in England?
Groups of local councils collaborating to take on devolved powers.
39
How does devolution affect parliamentary sovereignty?
It complicates sovereignty as devolved bodies have legislative power, though Westminster retains ultimate sovereignty.
40
What is the Sewel Convention?
Westminster will not legislate on devolved matters without consent from the devolved legislature.
41
Is devolution legally entrenched in the UK?
No, it can be changed or revoked by Westminster legislation.
42
How does asymmetric devolution work?
Different nations have different powers; e.g., Scotland has more powers than Wales.
43
What is quasi-federalism?
A system where devolved powers resemble federalism but sovereignty remains with the central parliament.
44
What challenges does devolution present to the unity of the UK?
Increased demands for independence and complexity in governance.
45
What is the difference between unitary and devolved states?
Unitary states have centralized sovereignty; devolved states delegate powers but maintain central sovereignty.
46
What are the arguments in favour of devolution?
Brings government closer to people, respects national identities, improves policy responsiveness.
47
What are the arguments against devolution?
Risks weakening UK unity, creates complexity, can cause inequality between nations.
48
Has devolution led to greater democratic participation?
Yes, by enabling local elections and greater engagement in devolved matters.
49
How has devolution impacted policy divergence?
Led to different policies on health, education, and transport across UK nations.
50
What impact has Brexit had on UK devolution?
Created tension over powers repatriated from the EU and highlighted constitutional strains.
51
What is the Internal Market Act 2020 and how does it affect devolution?
It enforces free trade across UK nations, limiting devolved governments' powers to restrict goods/services.
52
Has devolution increased calls for independence?
Yes, especially in Scotland and Wales.
53
How has COVID-19 highlighted the powers of devolved administrations?
Devolved governments implemented differing health policies and restrictions.
54
What are examples of different COVID policies between devolved nations?
Scotland had longer lockdowns; Wales imposed different school closure rules.
55
What was the result of the 1997 Scottish devolution referendum?
Majority voted yes to establish the Scottish Parliament.
56
What was the result of the 1997 Welsh devolution referendum?
Narrow majority voted yes to establish the Welsh Assembly.
57
What was the turnout and result of the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum?
Turnout ~85%; 55% voted No to independence.
58
What role did the SNP play in devolution and independence movements?
SNP campaigned strongly for independence and dominates Scottish politics.
59
What happened in the 2016 EU Referendum in relation to Scotland?
Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU, increasing independence debates.
60
What was the outcome of the 2021 Scottish Parliament election?
SNP won a third consecutive term but fell short of an overall majority.