Modern Studies Democracy
Devolved Matters
Education
>MSPs can discuss and implement changes to the education system in Scotland, such as
investigating how successful the Curriculum for Excellence has been.
>For example, in 2020 the Scottish Government cancelled all SQA exams due to the covid-19
pandemic.
Health
>The government decides on funding, initiatives and strategies concerning NHS Scotland – such as
free prescriptions for all.
>For example, FM Sturgeon’s government responded to the covid-19 pandemic by setting up the
Louisa Jordan Hospital in Glasgow’s SECC.
Law and Order
>This area of responsibility relates to maintaining peace and safety in Scotland including the running
of the police and courts service in Scotland as well as the powers they have.
>For example, in 2021 MSP’s approved Scotland’s controversial Hate Crime law which included a
new offence of “stirring up hatred”
, Modern Studies Democracy
Roles and Powers of the First Minister
Public Information Briefings - Role
>During the pandemic the FM informed the public in relation to confirmed cases, numbers of deaths
and measures being introduced to try and prevent the spread of the virus.
>For example, from March 2020 Nicola Sturgeon gave regular (sometimes daily) briefings on the
coronavirus.
Appoint other Ministers - Role
>The First Minister chooses who is in charge of each government department, meaning she has the
power to reward those loyal to her and remove those she doesn’t think are good enough.
>For example, John Swinney has been appointed as the Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet
Secretary for Covid Recovery.
Implementation and Presentation of Government Policies - Power
>The First Minister makes the final decision on what each of the government departments devolved
areas such as health, education, and transport.
>For example, Nicola Sturgeon would have approved the decision to make bus travel free for all
under 22-year-olds from January 2022.
Leader of the Largest Party in Parliament - Power
>Although they usually do not have the majority of seats, they have more than any other party and
this allows the FM to implement government legislation i.e., the budget
>For example, in May 2021 Nicola Sturgeon was returned as FM with 63 MSPs, the next largest
party, the Conservatives, only have 31 MSPs.
Scotland's representative to foreign leaders/VIPs - Power
>She is the public 'face' of Scotland and meets with visiting VIPs and represents Scotland's interests.
This gives the FM power as the higher the profile she has the more influence she can have.
>For example, at COP 26 in Glasgow 2021 Nicola Sturgeon greeted guest such as U.S. President Joe
Biden and Greta Thunberg.
Devolved Matters
Education
>MSPs can discuss and implement changes to the education system in Scotland, such as
investigating how successful the Curriculum for Excellence has been.
>For example, in 2020 the Scottish Government cancelled all SQA exams due to the covid-19
pandemic.
Health
>The government decides on funding, initiatives and strategies concerning NHS Scotland – such as
free prescriptions for all.
>For example, FM Sturgeon’s government responded to the covid-19 pandemic by setting up the
Louisa Jordan Hospital in Glasgow’s SECC.
Law and Order
>This area of responsibility relates to maintaining peace and safety in Scotland including the running
of the police and courts service in Scotland as well as the powers they have.
>For example, in 2021 MSP’s approved Scotland’s controversial Hate Crime law which included a
new offence of “stirring up hatred”
, Modern Studies Democracy
Roles and Powers of the First Minister
Public Information Briefings - Role
>During the pandemic the FM informed the public in relation to confirmed cases, numbers of deaths
and measures being introduced to try and prevent the spread of the virus.
>For example, from March 2020 Nicola Sturgeon gave regular (sometimes daily) briefings on the
coronavirus.
Appoint other Ministers - Role
>The First Minister chooses who is in charge of each government department, meaning she has the
power to reward those loyal to her and remove those she doesn’t think are good enough.
>For example, John Swinney has been appointed as the Deputy First Minister and the Cabinet
Secretary for Covid Recovery.
Implementation and Presentation of Government Policies - Power
>The First Minister makes the final decision on what each of the government departments devolved
areas such as health, education, and transport.
>For example, Nicola Sturgeon would have approved the decision to make bus travel free for all
under 22-year-olds from January 2022.
Leader of the Largest Party in Parliament - Power
>Although they usually do not have the majority of seats, they have more than any other party and
this allows the FM to implement government legislation i.e., the budget
>For example, in May 2021 Nicola Sturgeon was returned as FM with 63 MSPs, the next largest
party, the Conservatives, only have 31 MSPs.
Scotland's representative to foreign leaders/VIPs - Power
>She is the public 'face' of Scotland and meets with visiting VIPs and represents Scotland's interests.
This gives the FM power as the higher the profile she has the more influence she can have.
>For example, at COP 26 in Glasgow 2021 Nicola Sturgeon greeted guest such as U.S. President Joe
Biden and Greta Thunberg.
