Devolution - UK

What is the full title of the Welsh Assembly?

Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament.

How many members comprise the Senedd?

60 members.

What voting system is used in the Welsh Parliament?

An additional member system combining first-past-the-post and proportional representation.

What significant change occurred in May 2020 regarding the Welsh Assembly?

The Assembly was renamed to Senedd Cymru or the Welsh Parliament.

When was the referendum that resulted in the creation of the Welsh Assembly?

In 1997.

What powers does the Welsh Assembly not have?

Law and order, foreign affairs, defence, or amendments to the constitution.

Which act enhanced the primary law-making powers of the Welsh Assembly in 2011?

The Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020.

What model of devolution does the Welsh Assembly now use after the Wales Act 2017?

A reserved powers model.

What are some of the devolved areas of power for the Welsh Assembly?

Education, health, social services, environment, and local government.

What was the outcome of the 1997 referendum on the Welsh Assembly?

50.30% in favor of creating a Welsh Assembly.

What new powers were proposed under the St David's Day Agreement?

Powers over energy, transport, environment, and elections.

What does the term 'excepted powers' mean in the context of Welsh devolution?

Areas where the Welsh Assembly has no legislative authority, such as defence and foreign affairs.

What framework was published surrounding the St David’s Day Agreement?

A framework for a clear devolution settlement for Wales.

What was the significance of the Good Friday Agreement?

It was a political solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland, establishing power-sharing between nationalist and unionist groups.

What are the two main political identities in Northern Ireland?

Nationalists and Unionists.

What does the IRA stand for?

Irish Republican Army.

What caused the power-sharing executive to collapse in 2017?

Lack of cooperation between parties.

Who were the first 'First Minister' and 'Deputy First Minister' after the Good Friday Agreement?

David Trimble and Seamus Mallon.

What kind of electoral system is used in Northern Ireland's political framework?

A power-sharing electoral system designed to ensure representation of both communities.

What issue did Arlene Foster face as DUP leader in 2021?

A loss of confidence from within her party, leading to her resignation.

What did Edwin Poots attempt to do during his brief leadership of the DUP?

He attempted to navigate the challenges of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

What led to the resignation of Paul Givan as First Minister?

Protests over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

What role does the DUP play in the Northern Ireland Assembly?

The DUP is one of the two main parties, influencing power-sharing and legislative decisions.

What are the different forms of local government in England?

57 unitary councils, 36 metropolitan boroughs, 25 county councils, 188 district/borough/city councils, combined authorities, 32 London Boroughs, city mayors, and metro mayors.

Why does England not have a devolved assembly?

England does not have a devolved assembly or government like other regions of the UK, but it has elected mayors and local governments with considerable power.

What is the significance of the 1997 and 2011 referendum results for Wales?

The referendum results show the popularity of devolution, particularly in Wales.

How has devolution contributed to regional political differences in the UK?

Devolution has allowed regions to recognize and implement policies reflective of their political leanings, such as Scotland's higher income tax for high earners.

What are some criticisms of devolution in the UK?

Devolution has led to inequalities in public service provision and has encouraged calls for greater independence, threatening the unity of the UK.

How has devolution aided the peace process in Northern Ireland?

It has enabled cross-community cooperation and has been vital for the peace dividend in Northern Ireland.

What are the potential benefits of greater federalism for the UK?

Greater representation, clearer understanding of where power lies, and collaboration across regions on policy ideas.

What impact has devolution had on the public's perception of governing powers?

It has caused people to feel confident in managing their own affairs without Westminster involvement, contributing to calls for independence.

What are the implications of the 'reserved powers' model in the context of devolution?

The reserved powers model defines which powers remain with Westminster, influencing political discussions about autonomy in devolved regions.

What questions should be considered regarding the future of devolution in the UK?

What is next for devolution, is it the end of the road for devolution, and how does levelling up impact devolution?

When was the Scottish Parliament founded?

13 May 1999

What does MSP stand for?

Member of the Scottish Parliament

How many MSPs are there in the Scottish Parliament?

The number may vary, but there are currently 129 MSPs.

What electoral system is used to elect the MSPs?

The Additional Member System (AMS)

What key powers does 'The Scotland Act of 1998' grant to the Scottish Parliament?

Establishment of a devolved Scottish Parliament with tax varying powers.

What powers were devolved by 'The Scotland Act of 2016'?

Further powers devolved to Scotland enhancing those in the Scotland Act of 1998.

Name an area where the Scottish Parliament has primary legislative powers.

Health and social care, education, law and order, etc.

What are 'excepted powers'?

Powers that are not controlled by the Scottish Parliament, such as foreign affairs and defence.

What was the final result of the 2014 Independence referendum?

The majority of Scottish people voted against becoming an independent country.

Who is the current First Minister of Scotland?

Nicola Sturgeon (as of 2021).

What is one of the main arguments against Scottish independence?

Concerns over economic stability and the potential impact on public services.

What can Scotland control in terms of taxation?

Scotland can vary income tax rates by up to three pence in the pound.

Name one major power that remains reserved to Westminster.

Defence or foreign affairs.

How is the power distribution termed differently in Northern Ireland?

'Transferred', 'reserved' and 'excepted' powers.

Is the issue of Scottish Independence resolved?

No, it continues to be a debated topic in Scotland.

What does the acronym 'D' stand for in the context of the policy area table?

Devolved powers.

What does the acronym 'R' stand for in the context of the policy area table?

Reserved powers.

What was a notable outcome of the 2014 Independence referendum?

Scotland voted 'No' to independence.

What does primary legislative power include for the Scottish Parliament?

Areas such as education, health, and local government.

How often are elections held for the Scottish Parliament?

Every five years.

What is the West Lothian Question?

A key part of devolution and the arguments surrounding further devolution to England.

What does EVEL stand for?

English Votes for English Laws.

What electoral system is criticized for having wasted votes?

The first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system.

What is one major flaw of the FPTP system?

It results in wasted votes for candidates that do not win.

What is a 'safe seat' in electoral terms?

A constituency that consistently elects a candidate from the same party.

How did the 2019 election results illustrate the unrepresentative nature of the FPTP system?

The Liberal Democrats won 11.5% of the national vote but only 11 seats, and the SNP won 48 seats with only 3.9% of the UK vote.

What does the 'winner's bonus' in FPTP mean?

The most popular party receives more seats than is proportional to their actual vote count.

Which parties face discrimination under the FPTP system?

Parties with widespread support but not concentrated in geographic areas, such as the Greens and Liberal Democrats.

What is a characteristic of minority constituencies?

An MP wins the most votes without securing more than 50% of the total vote.

What issue does the FPTP system create regarding meaningful choice for voters?

It leads to a two-party system where only two parties realistically compete for power.

In Scottish electoral politics, which parties traditionally compete?

The SNP and Labour, with recent competition against the Conservatives.

What recent electoral conflict in Northern Ireland is characterized by a two-party system?

The contest between Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).