Question: “Evaluate the view that devolution has worked well”
[30 marks]
Intro: A.) Define the topic?
Devolution is
B.) Set the scene/ outline the debate: Why have some argued for/against this?
C.) Outline your thesis?
Thesis one:
Para 1 (FOR): Para 2 (Against):
Point: Devolution has worked well because devolution Point: However, devolution has not worked well because the
has appeased to Scotland SNP gained constant majorities sinceafter the 2014 Scottish
Independence Referendum and the 2016 Brexit Referendum.
Evidence: In the 2014 Scottish referendum, the turnout in devolved elections has been lower than in general
referendum question was, "Should Scotland be an elections.
independent country?", which voters answered with Brexit – Scotland 62% remain
"Yes" or "No". The "No" side won with (55.3%) voting
against independence and (44.7%) voting in favour.
Evidence: Since 20154, the SNP have got majorities in every
Scottish Parliament election and the majority of Scottish seats
in the House of CommonsFor example, in the Welsh Senedd
2021 election, there was a 46.6% turnout.
Analysis: This is significant because prior to this
referendum there was a lot of disagreement, conflict
and anger on whether Scotland should be an Analysis: This is significant because after Brexit and constant
independent country, so by having this referendum, this SNP majorities in Scottish Parliament and the majority of
ended this disagreement and conflict and brought more Scottish seats in the HoC/Westminster,y of Westminster seats,
peace to Scotland as a clear decision was made. This is people in Scotland are not appeased by devolution as the party
also significant because this is more fair, just and supporting independence is getting constant majorities, so it
democratic as this important decision of whether ended up threatening the union, therefore devolution is not a
Scotland should be an independent country was left for success in keeping the union together. This is also significant
people or the citizensresidents in Scotland to decide. because this is also not supporting the views of the majority of
This has a positive impact on the citizens and the people the people in Scotland, so the people in Scotland feel like their
of Scotland because this makes them feel their views are not considered and heard, which is undemocratic. –
opinions are considered and validated, which enhances negative impact on society – negative opinions and views of
representation, making them trust the govt more, govt – rebellions, riots, chaos, HR and CL violations – unsafe and
which increases public trust. unstable society,
Since 2014, the SNP have got majorities in every This is significant because by having a low turnout it shows
Scottish Parliament election and the majority of Scottish citizens don’t want devolved bodies and they don’t want
seats in the House of Commons autonomy and they would rather be governed by the UK and
not want the union to break up and this is shows that people
may not have belief in the Senedd which negatively impacts
political participation as this would lead to low political
[30 marks]
Intro: A.) Define the topic?
Devolution is
B.) Set the scene/ outline the debate: Why have some argued for/against this?
C.) Outline your thesis?
Thesis one:
Para 1 (FOR): Para 2 (Against):
Point: Devolution has worked well because devolution Point: However, devolution has not worked well because the
has appeased to Scotland SNP gained constant majorities sinceafter the 2014 Scottish
Independence Referendum and the 2016 Brexit Referendum.
Evidence: In the 2014 Scottish referendum, the turnout in devolved elections has been lower than in general
referendum question was, "Should Scotland be an elections.
independent country?", which voters answered with Brexit – Scotland 62% remain
"Yes" or "No". The "No" side won with (55.3%) voting
against independence and (44.7%) voting in favour.
Evidence: Since 20154, the SNP have got majorities in every
Scottish Parliament election and the majority of Scottish seats
in the House of CommonsFor example, in the Welsh Senedd
2021 election, there was a 46.6% turnout.
Analysis: This is significant because prior to this
referendum there was a lot of disagreement, conflict
and anger on whether Scotland should be an Analysis: This is significant because after Brexit and constant
independent country, so by having this referendum, this SNP majorities in Scottish Parliament and the majority of
ended this disagreement and conflict and brought more Scottish seats in the HoC/Westminster,y of Westminster seats,
peace to Scotland as a clear decision was made. This is people in Scotland are not appeased by devolution as the party
also significant because this is more fair, just and supporting independence is getting constant majorities, so it
democratic as this important decision of whether ended up threatening the union, therefore devolution is not a
Scotland should be an independent country was left for success in keeping the union together. This is also significant
people or the citizensresidents in Scotland to decide. because this is also not supporting the views of the majority of
This has a positive impact on the citizens and the people the people in Scotland, so the people in Scotland feel like their
of Scotland because this makes them feel their views are not considered and heard, which is undemocratic. –
opinions are considered and validated, which enhances negative impact on society – negative opinions and views of
representation, making them trust the govt more, govt – rebellions, riots, chaos, HR and CL violations – unsafe and
which increases public trust. unstable society,
Since 2014, the SNP have got majorities in every This is significant because by having a low turnout it shows
Scottish Parliament election and the majority of Scottish citizens don’t want devolved bodies and they don’t want
seats in the House of Commons autonomy and they would rather be governed by the UK and
not want the union to break up and this is shows that people
may not have belief in the Senedd which negatively impacts
political participation as this would lead to low political
