Understanding Scottish Government and Freedoms

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Questions and Answers

What does freedom of speech allow people to do?

Express opinions in various mediums as long as it's legal (correct)

Critique the government without any limitations

Only share opinions in person

Speak freely regardless of the consequences

What was the membership count of the SNP in 2023?

50,000 members

100,000 members

75,000 members (correct)

125,000 members

For what reason can people protest in Scotland?

To express their opinions without any regulations

Regardless of the location of the protest

Only against governmental policies

As long as the protest is peaceful and legal (correct)

Which bill was passed to address inequalities in education in Scotland?

Education (Scotland) Bill Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the 2015 Bill on long-term prisoners?

It ended the automatic release for certain prisoners. Signup and view all the answers

What focus areas are currently emphasized by the NHS in Scotland?

Covid-19 recovery and tackling obesity Signup and view all the answers

What does the right to vote in Scotland apply to?

Local and national elections, as well as referendums for those over 16 Signup and view all the answers

How can constituents contact their Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP)?

Via email, telephone, or social media. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of legislation is NOT under the Scottish Government's responsibility?

International law Signup and view all the answers

What type of meetings do MSPs hold to meet their constituents individually?

Constituency surgeries. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of MSPs attending meetings with local groups?

To discuss how they can assist the groups. Signup and view all the answers

What action was taken in a 2016 Bill to protect children in Scotland?

Banned smoking in cars with children present Signup and view all the answers

What occurs after MSPs participate in debates?

They vote on proposed new laws. Signup and view all the answers

What specific issue did MSPs vote on in 2019?

To ban smacking children. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of First Minister’s Questions (FMQs)?

To scrutinize the Scottish Government. Signup and view all the answers

Which MSP held surgeries by appointment at public buildings like libraries?

Daniel Johnson. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons Ruth Davidson stood down from Holyrood?

Guilt about spending time away from her family Signup and view all the answers

How are female politicians often portrayed in the media?

As unserious, emphasizing their appearance Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Scottish Parliament staff reported experiencing sexist behavior?

33% Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the feeling of exclusion among ethnic minorities in Scottish politics?

Limited ethnic minority representation in the Parliament Signup and view all the answers

What specific challenge do recent arrivals from ethnic minorities face in politics?

Difficulty in fluently speaking English Signup and view all the answers

What type of abuse can ethnic minority politicians face due to their high-profile roles?

Racist abuse both online and in person Signup and view all the answers

What is one impact of the sexism experienced by female politicians in Scotland?

Discouragement from pursuing political careers Signup and view all the answers

What was the average number of immigrants to Scotland per year mentioned in the content?

22000 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Freedoms

People can express their opinions freely in speech, writing, and online, so long as it is legal
People can join political parties and pressure groups
People can vote in local and national elections, and referendums, providing they're over 16 years old
People can partake in peaceful protests but must follow the law.

The Government

The Scottish Government is responsible for education, health, law and order, and responding to constituents
The government implemented a bill in 2016 to reduce educational inequality
The NHS in Scotland is overseen by the Scottish Government.

Role of MSPs

MSPs are responsible for holding regular surgeries, attending meetings, debating, and voting on new legislation
MSPs are responsible for scrutinizing government policy by asking questions during First Minister's Questions
MSPs are contactable by email, telephone, and social media

Impact of MSP Role on Family Life

The demanding nature of an MSP's role can be difficult for female politicians to juggle with their family commitments
Family life is often cited as a reason women are put off from running for office

Sexism and Representation

Politicians are often treated in a sexist manner in the media, with a focus on their appearance and clothing rather than their policies
There have been reports of sexist behaviour towards women at the Scottish Parliament
There are fewer ethnic minority MSPs, and many people of ethnic minorities feel that the Scottish Parliament does not represent them
Being a politician of an ethnic minority can lead to racist abuse online and in person
Some ethnic minorities may feel less represented by their new home, due to their recent arrival and language barrier

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental freedoms and responsibilities of citizens in Scotland, including the role of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). It also covers the Scottish Government's functions and its impact on educational equality and family life. Test your knowledge on how these elements interact within Scotland's political landscape.