The Scottish Parliament

Question 1

4 Distinguishing features

Answer 1

1. Sharing of power (people, legislative, executive)
2. Executive Accountability (accountable to Parliament, Parliament Accountable to people)
3. Participation and accessibility
4. Equal opportunity for all should be promoted

Question 2

Scottish Electoral Process

Answer 2

• FPTP + ‘Additional Member System’ (Proportional Representation.)
• 2 votes
  > 1st vote, FPTP: Named candidate wins constituency seat
  >2nd vote: Regional candidate

Question 3

Legislative Competence in Holyrood (3 points + ex.)

Answer 3

An Act is outside competence if it:

• relations to reserved matters, (tax, the constitution)
• amends protected Acts
• is incompatible with ECHR rights/Community Law

Martin and Miller v Lord Advocate 2010

• claimed Scotland acted outwith their competence passing section 45 of the Criminal Proceeding etc (Scotland Act)
• 3/5 judges voted inta vires