Section 1: The Road to Devolution

How is the UK traditionally classified in terms of its state structure?

The UK is traditionally classified as a unitary state.

What process has changed the UK without turning it into a federal state?

The devolution process has changed the country by increasing the autonomy given to the different nations.

When did the idea of devolution first emerge in the UK?

The idea of devolution first emerged in the 1970s.

What royal commission investigated the idea of devolution for Scotland and Wales in 1973?

The Kilbrandon commission investigated the matter and published a report in 1973.

What were the three types of devolution identified in the Kilbrandon report?

The report identified administrative devolution, executive devolution, and legislative devolution.

How is administrative devolution defined in the Kilbrandon report?

It is defined as the deconcentration of functions within the governmental hierarchy.

What does executive devolution comprise?

It comprises the transfer of subordinate policy-making powers while the determination of major policies and primary legislation remains central.

What does legislative devolution entail?

It entails the transfer of powers to determine policies and to enact primary legislation in certain areas.

Is there a relinquishment of sovereignty in the devolution system?

No, there is no relinquishment of sovereignty as the UK Parliament remains sovereign.

Which political party investigated devolution for Scotland and Wales in the 1970s?

The Labour government investigated these proposals in the 1970s.

What asymmetry was proposed in the 1970s regarding Scotland and Wales?

The government proposed legislative devolution for Scotland and executive devolution for Wales.

Why was asymmetry proposed between Scotland and Wales?

It was based on their different histories and their specific relationships with England.

Did the 1970s devolution proposals include an assembly for England?

No, the government ruled out the possibility of creating an English assembly at that time.

What condition was required for the 1978 devolution bills to take effect?

They required approval by 40% of the total electorate in a referendum.

Why did the first attempt at devolution fail in 1979?

It failed because the 40% threshold of the total electorate was not reached in the referendums.

What happened to the 1978 devolution Acts after the referendums?

The Acts were repealed because the threshold was not met.

What body was convened in 1989 to work on a devolution scheme for Scotland?

The Scottish Constitutional Convention was convened.

When did the Scottish Constitutional Convention agree on its final scheme for devolution?

The convention agreed on a scheme in 1995.

Which political party included devolution proposals in its 1997 manifesto?

The Labour Party included these proposals and won the 1997 elections.

What percentage of voters supported the creation of a Scottish Parliament in the 1997 referendum?

74.3% of voters were in favor.

What percentage of voters supported the creation of a Welsh Assembly in the 1997 referendum?

50.3% of voters were in favor.

What were the two primary Acts of Parliament that established devolution in 1998?

The Scotland Act 1998 and the Government of Wales Act 1998.

How was Northern Ireland originally united with Great Britain?

It was united by the Act of Union in 1801.

When did the Irish Free State separate from the United Kingdom?

It separated from the UK in 1922.

What was the period of Home Rule in Northern Ireland under the 1920 Act?

Home Rule existed from 1920 until 1972.

What occurred in 1972 regarding the governance of Northern Ireland?

Direct rule from the central government was restored following violent troubles.

Devolution in Northern Ireland is considered a part of which specific process?

It is considered a part of the peace process.

What is the official name of the Good Friday Agreement?

It is the Belfast Agreement, concluded on 10 April 1998.

What was the result of the 1998 referendum in Northern Ireland regarding the peace process?

71.1% of voters were in favor of the agreement.

Which Act of Parliament implemented the devolution scheme in Northern Ireland in 1998?

The Northern Ireland Act 1998.

How is the UK devolution process described in terms of its structure?

It is described as asymmetrical because the nations have different powers and histories.

Is the devolution process in the UK considered finished?

No, it is described as an ongoing process.

According to the Kilbrandon report, what was the primary reason for proposing devolution?

The primary reason was to restore public confidence in the government.

What did the 1989 Scottish Constitutional Convention consist of?

It was composed of Scottish MPs, local authority representatives, and members of churches.

In the 1970s, what specific power was to be given to the Scottish Assembly?

It was to be given legislative powers.

What happened to the Irish Free State in 1937?

It became a Republic and later left the Commonwealth in 1949.

Which Act of Parliament is the basis of devolution for Scotland?

The Scotland Act 1998.

Which Act of Parliament is the basis of devolution for Wales?

The Government of Wales Act 1998.

Why did the Scottish electorate's support for devolution grow in the 1980s and 90s?

They felt increasingly let down by the central government due to political differences.

Is the UK Parliament still supreme despite the devolution process?

Yes, the UK Parliament remains sovereign as stated in various devolution acts.