The Good Friday Agreement Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is a consociational political system?
A political system formed by the cooperation of different social groups on the basis of shared power.
What are the Crown Dependencies?
Three island territories in the British Islands that are self-governing possessions of the British Crown:
* Bailiwick of Guernsey
* Bailiwick of Jersey
* Isle of Man
What institutions were established in Northern Ireland by the Good Friday Agreement?
The Northern Ireland Assembly and The Northern Ireland Executive.
How many members does the Northern Ireland Assembly have?
90 members, known as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
What voting system is used to elect MLAs in Northern Ireland?
Single Transferable Vote.
What is required for certain key decisions in the Northern Ireland Assembly?
Cross-community support, defined as the support of both a majority of nationalists and a majority of unionists.
Who are the First and Deputy First Ministers in Northern Ireland?
The leaders of the largest party of each ‘block’ (nationalist, unionist, and other).
How is the Minister of Justice appointed in Northern Ireland?
By cross-community agreement.
What method is used to distribute other ministerial positions in the Northern Ireland Executive?
The D’Hondt method.
What does Strand Two of the Good Friday Agreement focus on?
‘North-south’ issues and institutions between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
What council was created to develop consultation and cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?
North-South Ministerial Council.
What is the purpose of the North-South Inter-Parliamentary Association?
To create a joint parliamentary forum made up of equal numbers from both institutions.
What was established but has never come into being as part of the Good Friday Agreement?
The North-South Consultative Forum.
What does Strand Three of the Good Friday Agreement address?
‘East-west’ issues and institutions between Ireland and Great Britain.
What is the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference?
Regular meetings between British and Irish ministers to promote cooperation at all levels.
What is the British-Irish Council composed of?
Ministerial representatives from the British and Irish governments, devolved administrations, and Crown dependencies.
What does the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly consist of?
Members of all legislative bodies in the British Isles, including the crown dependencies.
What are devolved matters?
Any matter which is not listed as a reserved power.
List some responsibilities of the Northern Ireland Executive ministers.
- Agriculture
- Environment
- Rural affairs
- Community
- Economy
- Education
- Finance
- Health
- Infrastructure
- Justice
What are some reserved matters in Northern Ireland?
- International relations
- Tax
- Defence
- Immigration
- Elections
- Currency
- Energy
Why is the Northern Ireland Assembly considered weaker than the devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland?
Due to the lack of revenue-raising power.
Which parties dominated the Northern Ireland Assembly initially from 1998 to 2003?
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).
Which parties became the most popular among unionists and republicans after the 2003 election?
The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein.
What has been a notable trend in Northern Ireland’s political parties?
A rise in parties designated ‘other’, such as the Alliance party and the Northern Ireland Green Party.
