Devolution in Scotland List as many different ways an individual can participate in Scottish society and provide a real life example of each.
We are learning to… Define ‘Devolution’ in the context of Scottish Politics. Explain why devolution occurred in Scotland. Distinguish between ‘Reserved’ and ‘Devolved’ political powers.
I will… Accurately define the term “devolution” in a Scottish context. Explain why Scotland has a devolved Parliament Distinguish between the political powers which are “Devolved” and which are “Reserved”
The Scottish and English Parliaments will be united. A Quick bit of HISTORY…. 1707 The Treaty of the Union The Scottish and English Parliaments will be united. All political decisions were made in the UK Parliament in Westminster 1707-1999
What happened in Scotland in 1997? Devolution Referendum All 32 Scottish Council Areas voted in favour of devolution. Results YES: 74.29% NO: 25.71% Overall Voter Turnout: 60.4%
Central and Devolved Parliaments Since 1999… Central and Devolved Parliaments The UK Parliament in Westminster in London The Scottish Parliament in Holyrood in Edinburgh
Devolution When devolution occurred the Scottish Parliament was given the ability to change and create laws on specific issues and areas. These areas are Scotland specific and so the ability to change and create laws on these areas are know as devolved powers.
Remember… The Scottish Parliament was not given control over all areas of law 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 the UK Parliament. The powers which have been kept by the UK Parliament are known as reserved powers.
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 notes: 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.
Take the two headings DEVOLVED and RESERVED in your jotter Take the two headings DEVOLVED and RESERVED in your jotter. In your groups, try to place as many examples from the poster as you can under the two headings!
Job Centre (Employment) Clock (Time) Zebra Crossing (Transport) Devolved - 23 Water works (Environment) Police Officer Tourist (Tourism) Girl with football (Sport) School boy (Education) Broken leg (Health) Cyclist/Cycle lane (Transport) Fish shop (Fishing) Fire Officer Sheriff Court (Justice) Doctor’s Surgery (Health) Theatre (The Arts) Council (Local Government) Library (Local Government) Tractor (Agriculture) Castle (Built heritage) Trees and green spaces (Environment) Flat to let sign (Housing) Roads (Transport) Bus stop (Transport) Free bus travel for elderly (Transport) Dog (Dog Fouling Act) (Environment) Wind farm (environment) Reserved – 7 Map (Ordnance Survey) Soldier (Defence) Lotto sign (Gambling) Bank (Money) Job Centre (Employment) Clock (Time) Zebra Crossing (Transport)
Glue the copy of this table into your notes. You do not have to memorise all of the powers HOWEVER, you do have to know specific examples for a few, as this can be asked in the final exam. Focus on the “BIGGIES”: Devolved: Health, Education, Justice plus one other. Reserved: Defence, Social Security, Foreign Affairs plus one other. DEVOLVED POWERS RESERVED POWERS Health Defence Education and Training Social Security (Pensions, benefits etc) Social work Foreign Affairs Housing Constitutional matters Local Government Immigration Tourism and Economic Develop. Broadcasting Justice and the Law 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 Scottish road network & harbours Data Protection
Question Time… In your own words explain what devolution is and the form it takes in Scotland. Choose one devolved matter and explain why it has been devolved to the Scottish level. Why have some powers remained reserved? Give as much detail as possible. Choose one reserved matter and explain why it remains reserved at the UK level. Why do some people think further powers should be devolved to Scotland?
National 5 Exam Q 1. Describe, in detail, two of the devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament 4 Nat 5 2014 Q1 adapted Nat 5 2018 Q3a
I can… Accurately define the term “devolution” in a Scottish context. Explain why Scotland has a devolved Parliament Distinguish between the political powers which are “Devolved” and which are “Reserved”