Devolution P

You need to know.. Definitions / key terms – comparison of systems Background to devolution At least 2 systems (powers / electoral process / results )Scotland / Wales Arguments in favour and against Legacy of Labour’s actions?

Key terms Unitaryism vs federalism What is the difference? Parliamentary sovereignty Constitutions (codified/uncodified) ReferendumMandate West Lothian affair Administrative devolution Legislative devolution Reserved powers Asymmetric devolution

6rtc/The_Andrew_Marr_Show_25_04_201 0/ 6rtc/The_Andrew_Marr_Show_25_04_201 0/

Advantages and disadvantages of unitary and federal states +ve-ve UnitaryClear ranking of ……….Excessive concentration …………………… Provide clear ……………….. for citizens Inadequate …………..of regional / minority diversity FederalAct as ……….on central power Overlap of …………: competition and ………………….. Provide national unity in large countries / but caters for regional responsibility. ‘Acceptable compromise between …………………………………. Power tends to be concentrated at centre, especially on economic issues. Eg USA States useful as labs for democracy – policy experiment. Hard to get things done quickly. Eg USA civil rights

Advantages and disadvantages of unitary and federal states +ve-ve UnitaryClear ranking of authorityExcessive concentration of power at centre Provide clear focus of loyalty for citizens Inadequate representation of regional / minority diversity FederalAct as check on central power Overlap of powers: competition and conflict / gridlock Provide national unity in large countries / but caters for regional responsibility. ‘Acceptable compromise between effective gov and regional recognition Power tends to be concentrated at centre, especially on economic issues. Eg USA States useful as labs for democracy – policy experiment. Hard to get things done quickly. Eg USA civil rights

Devolution in Scotland Scotland Act 1998 – parliament of 129 members (AMS) Since 2007 – Scottish government (not executive – SNP introduction) Powers? Health / Education training/ local gov / social work / housing / law / Environment Reserved powers? Constitution / foreign policy / defence / employment 10/scotland/ stm 10/scotland/ stm

Scottish government 129 members elected by AMS Leader becomes First Minister He chooses executive (now government) Powers (47)range from criminal law to education and policing to local government with ‘reserved powers’ (foreign policy, defence ) remaining in Westminster Annual budget is £30 billion

Key decisions 1999 – 2007 – coalition with Libe dems Since 2007 – SNP minority government, backed by Greens Student tuition fees rejected Foundation hospitals not introduced Elderly receive free care in nursing and residential homes

Devolution in Wales 60 strong National Assembly (rather than parliament) Elections AMS Since 2001 Welsh Assembly government National Assembly less powerful;eg.Not granted primary law making powers Pressure group on Westminster? Experienced both minority and coalition governments. Critics argue- ‘talking shop’ without any significant power

Achievements SATs abolished for 7 year olds Quangocracy has been tackled Clear red water – 2000 Alun Michael lost confidence vote and Rhodri Morgan took over government of Wales act; Make executive body – The Welsh Assembly Government Forbid candidates standing as constituency candidate as well as regional list Grant Assembly greater legislative role Since 2007 – PC and Labour Coalition See link on moodle.

Devolution in Wales How is devolution in Wales different to Scotland? What have been the recent changes? Homework – Read and take notes on the article titled ‘ Devolution – Is it working’?

Devolution and the UK What’s wrong with the status quo? Politics review 2009 UK has always been asymmetrically organised. The union has always been curiously disconnected between its non-English parts. Piecemeal approach to reform? What have been the spillovers? Purpose of Union in post-devolution is unclear.

Sovereignty and devolution. Quasi-federalism? Vernon Bogdanor Devolution is a new constitutional settlement. Devolution is not federalism. Federalism involves dividing the powers of government and various states or provinces. Congress is subordinate to the constitution. Devolution preserves the sovereignty of Parliament. UK fed or dev? Westminster Parliament’s sovereignty over Scotland now amounts to something far less than the ‘unlimited power’ identified by Dicey. What change has their been to MPs since 1999? As a parliament what has Westminster been changed into, according to the article? What are the varying responsibilities of MPs across the union? What for the future of Ireland / Scotland and Wales?

national-conversation national-conversation

Has devolution been good for Scotland? (10 marks) 15 minutes to tackle this question. YesNo

Yes Gives people legitimacy – 50% support for coalitions formed in 1999/2003. It is democratic – better representation Resulted in Scottish policies Students don’t have to pay tuition fees Better arrangements for health / employment (teaching pay etc) No Not all want an executive pushing an independent agenda – SNP – 32% backing from public (2007) Sewel motion - allows executive to hand debate over to Westminster Lead to reduction in Scottish MPs as a result of West Lothian issue.

Merits and demerits of Scottish devolution Democratic Legitimate Government Socially representative Preserves UK as political entity Scottish policies CostsBalkanisation West Lothian Question Recipe for tension

Examples of Scottish policies under devolution Student tuition fees have been rejected in Scotland Foundation hospitals have not been introduced Elderly people have received entirely free care in nursing and residential homes. Fox hunting has been abolished Teachers’ pay and conditions improved

Past Papers June 2009 Explain the term local government used in the extract. (5 marks) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, explain why, following devolution, there is controversy about the representation of Scotland at Westminster. (10 marks) Devolution has resulted in a genuine dispersal of political power in Britain.’ Discuss. (25 marks)