UK Devolution
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_f8fze4
1. What is Devolu- This is the movement of political power away from central authority (Westminster)
tion? to other local, regional, or national governments.
2. What were the - Wasn't established until 1999
origins of Scot- - Pressure had been building since the 1970s (discontent with the UK political
tish Devolution? system led to growing nationalism in Scotland)
- SNP made electoral breakthroughs - held referendum in 1979, but did not meet
the requirement of 40% of the electorate saying yes
- Demands re-emerged under Conservative govt (1979-97)
- 1997 referendum: 74% voted yes for Scottish Parliament, 63.5% for tax-varying
powers
3. What is the Scot- - Has 129 members elected through AMS - 73 are elected through FPTP, 56 are
tish Parliament? "additional members"
- Are elected in 8 multimember regions, uses PR to elect (so seats allocated to
parties reflect the share of the vote won)
4. What is Scottish - Draw up policy proposals
Government? - Implement legislation
- First minister (usually leader of largest party) heads govt. + appoints cabinet
(currently John Swinney)
5. Devolved powers - Scotland Act 1998: gave Scotland primary legislative powers (law and order,
of Scotland education, etc.)
- Have tax-raising powers
- Further policy areas have been devolved since
- Scottish Parliament have passed over 300 pieces of legislation since creation
6. Reserved Powers There are limits on Scots' legislative powers: established in Scotland Act 1998,
(Scotland) Westminster still handle defence + national security, social security, etc.
Westminster are also still sovereign - can override and theoretically abolish Scottish
Parliament
1/6
Study online at https://quizlet.com/_f8fze4
1. What is Devolu- This is the movement of political power away from central authority (Westminster)
tion? to other local, regional, or national governments.
2. What were the - Wasn't established until 1999
origins of Scot- - Pressure had been building since the 1970s (discontent with the UK political
tish Devolution? system led to growing nationalism in Scotland)
- SNP made electoral breakthroughs - held referendum in 1979, but did not meet
the requirement of 40% of the electorate saying yes
- Demands re-emerged under Conservative govt (1979-97)
- 1997 referendum: 74% voted yes for Scottish Parliament, 63.5% for tax-varying
powers
3. What is the Scot- - Has 129 members elected through AMS - 73 are elected through FPTP, 56 are
tish Parliament? "additional members"
- Are elected in 8 multimember regions, uses PR to elect (so seats allocated to
parties reflect the share of the vote won)
4. What is Scottish - Draw up policy proposals
Government? - Implement legislation
- First minister (usually leader of largest party) heads govt. + appoints cabinet
(currently John Swinney)
5. Devolved powers - Scotland Act 1998: gave Scotland primary legislative powers (law and order,
of Scotland education, etc.)
- Have tax-raising powers
- Further policy areas have been devolved since
- Scottish Parliament have passed over 300 pieces of legislation since creation
6. Reserved Powers There are limits on Scots' legislative powers: established in Scotland Act 1998,
(Scotland) Westminster still handle defence + national security, social security, etc.
Westminster are also still sovereign - can override and theoretically abolish Scottish
Parliament
1/6
