Powers of the Scottish Parliament

Lesson Focus: Describing the process of devolution Explaining why devolution occurred in Scotland Identifying various key political figures

What happened in Scotland in 1997? Referendum Parliament? Devolution?

Devolution When devolution occurred the Scottish Parliament was given the ability to change and create laws in certain areas. These areas are Scotland specific and so the ability to change and create laws on these areas are know as devolved powers.

However… The powers which have been kept by the UK Parliament are known as reserved powers. The Scottish Parliament was not given control over all areas that are related to Scotland. Any areas which can or could have an affect on the entire United Kingdom are still under the control of Westminster.

How does devolution work? For devolved powers, the changes in law and new laws that are created come into force in Scotland only. Any changes or new laws which relate to reserved powers take effect in the whole of the UK and the Scottish Parliament must accept these changes when they occur.

Copy the following definitions into your jotters: Devolved powers: political powers to change and create laws which are related to Scottish areas of interest only. Reserved powers: political powers to change and create laws in areas which affect the entire United Kingdom.

DEVOLVED POWERS RESERVED POWERS Health Defence Education and Training Social Security Social work Foreign Affairs Housing Constitutional matters Local Government Immigration Tourism and Economic Develop. Broadcasting Law and Home Affairs Trade and Industry Agriculture, Forestry & fishing Nuclear, coal and gas Energy Planning Employment legislation Police and Fire Services Equal Opportunities legislation The Environment Fiscal and Monetary system Sport and the Arts Gambling and the National Lottery Scottish road network & harbours Data Protection

Throughout this unit it is also important to know who key political figures are in Scotland and the UK.

GROUP TASK In your groups, match the pictures of the politicians to the names and job descriptions provided. Once you have correctly matched everything, create a poster, using the following extra information to add detail!

Has been an MP and an MSP. The youngest Prime Minister in almost two hundred years. Qualified as a solicitor in 1995. Helped form and lead the first coalition government of the United Kingdom since the Second World War. Does not own a car First female First Minister of Scotland. Has only been an MSP since 2011 Was the first female Scottish politician to appear as a panellist on the BBC One satirical news quiz Have I Got News for You (October 2015). Has been an MP since 1983. Received the 2nd highest number of votes of any MSP in the 2011 Scottish Election. Worked for the BBC as a journalist and analyst. Has a Masters degree in Policy Studies