WHY THE FIRST MINISTER IS NOT POWERFUL

Question 1

ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVOLVED MATTERS

Answer 1

POINT - One reason the First Minister is not powerful as she is only responsible for devolved matters.
EXPLAIN - This means that the First Minister as she can only make decisions about issues that are devolved and has no power over revolved matters.
EXAMPLE - For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic Scotland could not close the borders to international travel as only Westminster and the Prime Minister have that power.

Question 2

AGREE DEALS TO PASS BILLS

Answer 2

POINT - Another reason why the First Minister is not powerful as she has to agree deals to pass bills.
EXPLAIN - This is because the SNP government does not have a majority of MSPs in the Scottish parliament the First Minister has to agree deals with smaller parties showing where she lacks power.
EXAMPLE - For example, the First Minister had to agree a deal with the Greens so that her government budget has passed each year since 2016.

Question 3

MUST ANSWER TO PARLIAMENT

Answer 3

POINT - An additional reason the First Minister is not powerful is she must answer to parliament.
EXPLAIN - Even though she is in charge of the government and has a lot of power because of the number of MSPs she has in parliament , she must still go there every week and answer questions that sometimes embarrass her and her government.
EXAMPLE - For example, each week Sturgeon takes part in the First Minister Question time on a Thursday at 12pm.