Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percentage of voters supported Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom in the 2014 referendum?
What percentage of voters supported Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom in the 2014 referendum?
David Cameron wanted Britain to leave the European Union due to its cost.
David Cameron wanted Britain to leave the European Union due to its cost.
False
What is the voting age for the Scottish Parliament elections?
What is the voting age for the Scottish Parliament elections?
16
What is devolution of power?
What is devolution of power?
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The Scottish National Party supported _____ during the Scottish independence referendum.
The Scottish National Party supported _____ during the Scottish independence referendum.
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Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
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Reserved powers are issues on which devolved assemblies can make their own laws.
Reserved powers are issues on which devolved assemblies can make their own laws.
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What powers can devolved governments in the UK manage?
What powers can devolved governments in the UK manage?
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Which of the following was a reason cited against Scottish independence?
Which of the following was a reason cited against Scottish independence?
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The Scotland Act 2012 gave Scotland more devolved power including the ability to set their own rate of __________.
The Scotland Act 2012 gave Scotland more devolved power including the ability to set their own rate of __________.
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The Additional Member system is used to elect Members of the Legislative Assembly in Northern Ireland.
The Additional Member system is used to elect Members of the Legislative Assembly in Northern Ireland.
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Match the year with the event related to referendums in the UK:
Match the year with the event related to referendums in the UK:
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What year was the Scottish Parliament founded?
What year was the Scottish Parliament founded?
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Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of devolution of power?
Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of devolution of power?
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The term democracy comes from the Greek word meaning ‘government by the _____’.
The term democracy comes from the Greek word meaning ‘government by the _____’.
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What was the voter turnout for the Scottish independence referendum?
What was the voter turnout for the Scottish independence referendum?
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The Big Society idea proposed greater devolution of power to local communities through charities and businesses.
The Big Society idea proposed greater devolution of power to local communities through charities and businesses.
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Which areas cannot easily be devolved according to the content?
Which areas cannot easily be devolved according to the content?
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In 2010, the Conservative Government aimed for a greater devolution of power through the __________ idea.
In 2010, the Conservative Government aimed for a greater devolution of power through the __________ idea.
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Match the devolved assemblies with their respective regions:
Match the devolved assemblies with their respective regions:
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Who is the current First Minister of Scotland?
Who is the current First Minister of Scotland?
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Scotland has been a part of the United Kingdom since 1707.
Scotland has been a part of the United Kingdom since 1707.
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What is the main political party that campaigns for Scottish independence?
What is the main political party that campaigns for Scottish independence?
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The Scottish government has different policies on care for the elderly and ______ than England.
The Scottish government has different policies on care for the elderly and ______ than England.
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One argument against Scottish independence is that the UK would become:
One argument against Scottish independence is that the UK would become:
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Opinion polls indicate that most Welsh people support independence from the UK.
Opinion polls indicate that most Welsh people support independence from the UK.
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Name one source of taxation that the Scottish government would control if independent.
Name one source of taxation that the Scottish government would control if independent.
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The previous First Minister of Scotland was ______.
The previous First Minister of Scotland was ______.
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Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
Match the following concepts with their descriptions:
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The SNP is currently the party with the largest number of seats in the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP is currently the party with the largest number of seats in the Scottish Parliament.
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Study Notes
Devolution of Power
- Devolution is the transfer of power from a central government to local or regional governments.
- In the UK, this refers to the transfer of power from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly, and Northern Irish Assembly.
- Reserved powers are issues on which only the UK Parliament can make laws, for example, the Constitution, Immigration, and foreign policy.
- Devolved powers are issues on which devolved assemblies and parliaments can make their own laws. Examples include Tourism, education, housing, and health and social care.
- The Conservative Government in 2010 proposed greater devolution of power away from national and local government with their "Big Society" idea.
- This idea aimed to empower local communities through businesses, charities, and community groups.
Referendums in the UK
- Referendums in Scotland and Wales in 1997 led to the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly.
- A referendum in 1998 resulted in London having a directly elected Mayor and devolved powers.
- Power-sharing was introduced in Northern Ireland in 1998.
- The UK saw a referendum in 2011 to change the voting system.
- Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014.
- Britain's membership of the European Union was the subject of a referendum in 2016.
Scottish Parliament
- The Scottish Parliament is the devolved national (unicameral) legislature of Scotland.
- It is located in the Holyrood area of Edinburgh and was founded in 1999.
- The Scottish Parliament Act 2012 granted Scotland more devolved power than Northern Ireland or Wales.
- The Scottish Parliament has more borrowing and spending powers, and can set its own income tax rate.
- The Scottish National Party (SNP) is the party with the largest number of seats in the Scottish Parliament.
- The current First Minister of Scotland is Nicola Sturgeon, who has led a government since November 2014.
Scottish Independence
- Scottish people had a referendum in 2014 on whether Scotland should be an independent country.
- The results were 55% voting against independence and 45% voting for it.
- Scotland remains part of the United Kingdom.
- The Scottish National Party supports Independence and the turnout for the referendum was 85%.
Arguments for and against Scottish Independence
- Arguments for: Self-government, control over policy matters, strong Scottish identity, control over income and resources, including oil fields.
- Arguments against: The UK has existed for many years and all parts of the UK have benefited from its membership. There is a shared language and culture, and the UK will be weaker if it breaks up.
Northern Ireland Assembly
- The Northern Ireland Assembly has 90 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
- Voting requirements include:
- Being registered to vote
- Being 18 or over on election day
- Being a British, Irish, Commonwealth, or EU citizen
- Being registered at an address in the area you want to vote in
- Not being legally excluded from voting
- MLAs are elected using the Single Transferable Vote system.
National Assembly for Wales
- The National Assembly for Wales has 60 Assembly Members (AMs).
- Voting requirements include:
- Being registered to vote
- Being 18 or over on election day
- Being a British, Commonwealth, or EU citizen
- Being resident at an address in Wales
- Not being legally excluded from voting
- AMs are elected using the Additional Member system. You vote once for your constituency AM and once for an AM to represent the wider region.
Democracy
- The word democracy comes from the Greek language, meaning "government by the people".
- Democracy has many different interpretations and meanings throughout history and is constantly evolving.
- Most people agree that a democratic society would consist of: freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, freedom of the press, the rule of law, equal opportunities, tolerance of others, and respect for Human rights.
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Description
This quiz explores the devolution of power from the UK central government to regional governments like the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly. It covers reserved and devolved powers, the implications of the Conservative Government's 'Big Society' idea, and the impact of referendums on the establishment of these devolved bodies.
