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Questions and Answers
What year was the Scottish Parliament founded?
What year was the Scottish Parliament founded?
What is one of the main functions of the Scottish Parliament?
What is one of the main functions of the Scottish Parliament?
How many Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are elected by the first-past-the-post system?
How many Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are elected by the first-past-the-post system?
Under what condition can extraordinary general elections be called?
Under what condition can extraordinary general elections be called?
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What proportion of MSPs are elected using the 'additional member' system?
What proportion of MSPs are elected using the 'additional member' system?
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What are the two votes that each voter has in Scotland?
What are the two votes that each voter has in Scotland?
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Who appoints the First Minister of Scotland?
Who appoints the First Minister of Scotland?
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What happens if the Scottish Parliament resolves that the Scottish Government no longer has confidence in the First Minister?
What happens if the Scottish Parliament resolves that the Scottish Government no longer has confidence in the First Minister?
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What is the primary source of the Scottish Government's statutory functions?
What is the primary source of the Scottish Government's statutory functions?
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What section of the Scotland Act refers to conferred statutory functions on Scottish Ministers?
What section of the Scotland Act refers to conferred statutory functions on Scottish Ministers?
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What does the transfer of legislative competence from Westminster to Holyrood signify?
What does the transfer of legislative competence from Westminster to Holyrood signify?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes additional functions exercisable by a Minister of the Crown in Scotland?
Which of the following statements accurately describes additional functions exercisable by a Minister of the Crown in Scotland?
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What is the legislative authority of the Scottish Parliament based on?
What is the legislative authority of the Scottish Parliament based on?
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Flashcards
Scottish Parliament founding date
Scottish Parliament founding date
Established in 1999 under the Scotland Act 1998.
Scottish Parliament's Functions
Scottish Parliament's Functions
To form a government, create laws, and hold the executive accountable.
Scottish Parliament's Duration
Scottish Parliament's Duration
Set by the Scotland Act 1998, it lasts until a general election, usually on the first Thursday of May in the fourth year after the previous election.
Scottish Parliament Composition (FPTP)
Scottish Parliament Composition (FPTP)
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Scottish Parliament Composition (Additional Member)
Scottish Parliament Composition (Additional Member)
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Scottish Government
Scottish Government
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First Minister Appointment
First Minister Appointment
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First Minister Removal
First Minister Removal
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Scottish Government Powers
Scottish Government Powers
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Devolution of Functions
Devolution of Functions
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Legislative Competence
Legislative Competence
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Executive Competence
Executive Competence
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Voter's Dual Vote
Voter's Dual Vote
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Study Notes
Scottish Parliament and Government
- The Scottish Parliament was founded in 1999, as per the Scotland Act 1998.
- The Holyrood Parliament is based on the Scotland Act 2016, specifically section 1, which establishes its permanence.
- Core functions include governing, law-making, and holding the executive accountable.
- The Parliament's website is parliament.scot.
Life of the Scottish Parliament
- The Scottish Parliament's life cycle is defined by the Scotland Act of 1998.
- A new session begins within 7 days of a general election.
- The parliament dissolves before the next election, typically the 1st Thursday in May of the 4th calendar year following the prior election.
- Extraordinary general elections can be triggered if a two-thirds majority of MSPs vote for it, or if the Parliament fails to appoint a First Minister within 28 days.
Composition of the Scottish Parliament
- The Parliament consists of 129 members (MSPs).
- 73 MSPs are elected using the First Past the Post (FPTP) system.
- 56 MSPs are elected using the additional member system, based on proportional representation across 8 constituencies.
- Voters have two votes in this system; one for a constituency MSP and one for a political party to determine additional members.
Scottish Government
- The Scottish Government is headed by the First Minister, who is appointed by the King and accountable to the Scottish Parliament.
- The First Minister, and other ministers appointed by them, are collectively referred to as the Scottish Ministers. This follows the UK parliamentary model with a few unique touches.
- The First Minister can be removed from their position by a vote of no confidence from the Parliament.
- The structure and powers of the Government are defined by the Scotland Act of 1998.
- The First Minister can resign anytime, and if the Parliament deems the government no longer enjoys their confidence.
- The Scottish Government's authority stems from delegated powers, enabling them to govern Scotland, similar to the UK Parliament.
Powers of the Scottish Government
- Statutory functions can be assigned to the Scottish ministers.
- Devolution has shifted many powers from the UK government to the Scottish Government.
- Legislative and executive powers are detailed in the Scotland Act 1998.
- The extent of Scottish government authority varies by subject, with some areas still under UK government control.
- Powers are often transferred or delegated specifically by acts of the Scottish Parliament.
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Description
Explore the foundational aspects and life cycle of the Scottish Parliament established under the Scotland Act 1998. This quiz delves into its core functions, composition, and relevant legal frameworks. Test your knowledge on the workings and structure of Scotland's legislative body.
