Functions of the Parliament

RECAP 1.What is the difference between the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament? 2.How many MSPs are there from Ethnic Minorities? 3.Write down two ways that the Parliament can scrutinise the work of the Scottish Government.

What am I learning today? Function 4 of the Scottish Parliament The Role of MSPs

John Mason (SNP) MSP for Glasgow Shettleston He is an MSP for Glasgow Shettleston and he has to work within the Constituency and deal with local matters. He is part of the Scottish Parliament and part of his job is to make sure that the Scottish Government is doing their job properly. He also sits on a COMMITTEE. His job is to meet the needs of the people of Scotland. They divide their time between their constituency or region that they represent and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. WATCH VIDEO CLIP.

Work in Parliament MSPs may be members of one or two of the Committees of the Parliament. There are 16 Committees that are made up of between 7 and 11 MSPs. They discuss in detail a particular area or subject, e.g. Education. Parliament sits on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

The Chamber of the Parliament is where all 129 MSPs have the opportunity to debate, discuss and vote on the issues of the day. It is only in the Chamber of the Parliament that a Bill can be passed. MSPs might represent us in the Chamber by: Speaking and voting in the Chamber Taking part in debates Putting forward a motion (idea) to be debated Suggesting an amendment (change) to be made to a bill. Questioning Ministers and the First Minister. Work in Parliament

MSPs question the First Minister on issues. Questions are submitted before hand and the First Minister plans his answers. MSPs can also question the ministers about issues.

Work in the Constituency or Region Monday All Day All Day Friday MSPs will be writing replies to letters, s and replying to phone calls. Attending meetings and events where they can discuss issues with groups of constituents and people from other organisations. Attending special events in their constituency, for example, the opening of a new community resource centre. Holding surgeries, i.e. a particular time and place where constituents can meet their MSP and raise any problems with them. Our MSPs, MP and Local Councillor may meet to discuss areas of mutual concern and possibly to pass an enquiry to the appropriate representative.

Summary of the role of MSPs They divide their time between their constituency or region that they represent and the Scottish Parliament. In the parliament: work on committees take part in debates scrutinise the government by suggesting amendments for bills ask the First Minister and Minister questions Vote on bills Write questions to ask the First Minister- these will be issues that will be important to them and their constituency or region. Produce a members bill

Summary of the role of MSPs In the Constituency: Monday and Friday all day MSPs will be writing replies to letters, s and replying to phone calls. Attending special events in their constituency, for example, the opening of a new community resource centre. Holding surgeries, i.e. a particular time and place where constituents can meet their MSP and raise any problems with them. Our MSPs, MP and Local Councillor may meet to discuss areas of mutual concern and possibly to pass an enquiry to the appropriate representative.

ACTIVITIES 1.Using pgs of the booklet, draw two spider diagrams showing the many ways MSPs represent their constituents inside and outside the parliament. 2.Explain why it might be difficult for an MSP to fully represent their constituents. (p.29) 3. Describe,ways MSPs can represent their constituents in the Scottish Parliament. (8)

Describe the ways MSPs can represent their constituents in the Scottish Parliament. (8 marks) There are many ways in which MSPs can represent their constituents in parliament. The first way is… You must provide specific examples – eg Paul Martin, MSP for Glasgow Provan asked about…. John Mason, MSP for Glasgow Shettleston put forward a written question to the First Minister about….