week 13

Practice flashcards for British Politics and Government focusing on Regionalism and Federalism concepts.

What is the major difference between the USA and UK in terms of government structure?

The UK is a unitary state while the USA is a federal nation.

What does devolution refer to in the context of UK politics?

Devolving powers from the central government to local or regional governments.

What is asymmetrical devolution?

Devolved institutions have unequal powers in different regions.

What are ‘reserved powers’?

Powers that are explicitly reserved for the UK national government, such as foreign affairs and defense.

What significant act did Scotland vote on in 2014 regarding independence?

The independence referendum asking 'Should Scotland be an independent country?'

What was the turnout percentage for the Scottish independence referendum in 2014?

84.6%.

Which electoral system was used in Northern Ireland’s elections to prevent gerrymandering?

Single Transferable Vote (STV).

What was the outcome of the Scottish independence referendum?

Scotland voted 'No' to independence, losing 44.7% to 53.3%.

What legislation outlined additional devolved powers to Scotland after the 2014 referendum?

Scotland Act of 2016.

Who was the First Minister of Scotland during the independence referendum?

Alex Salmond.

What party became predominant in Northern Ireland as a result of political divides?

Sinn Féin.

What is the significance of the Good Friday Agreement?

It established power-sharing and addressed issues between political parties in Northern Ireland.

What is the West Lothian Question?

The question of why MPs from Scotland can vote on English-only matters when MPs from England cannot vote on devolved matters.

What is the Barnett Formula?

A formula that determines the allocation of government funds to the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What did the Smith Commission aim to address?

To fulfill 'The Vow' by creating DevoMax for Scotland.

What significant political event occurred in Scotland in 1997?

Scotland's devolution referendum was approved, leading to the creation of the Scottish Parliament.

What does Dillon’s Rule pertain to in the context of local governments in the USA?

Local governments have only the powers expressly granted to them by the state.

Which UK Prime Minister made 'The Vow' to Scotland?

David Cameron.

What are the four aspects of devolution as described in the lecture notes?

Administrative, Executive, Legislative, and Fiscal powers.

What was the primary aim of Welsh nationalism in the 20th century?

To create national institutions and further Welsh identity.

Which party represents more moderate Catholic interests in Northern Ireland?

The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).

How did Brexit impact the relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?

Northern Ireland shares a land border with the EU (Republic of Ireland), creating trade challenges.

What was 'Indyref2' intended to address?

It aimed to reconsider Scottish independence, spurred by developments post-Brexit.

What are the differences in electoral systems across the USA and UK mentioned in the lecture?

Different electoral systems, such as FPTP and ranked-choice voting.

What did devolution in the UK signify over four decades?

The UK is no longer a homogenous country and regions are increasingly aware of their localized governance.

What unique characteristic about the UK’s federal arrangement was highlighted in the lecture?

Power resides centrally, and devolution does not involve transferring sovereignty.

What is the primary relationship of UK’s nations to the central government?

The relationship is fundamentally one of power granted or taken away by Parliament.

What event reignited discussions about Scottish independence after the 2016 Brexit vote?

The realization that Scotland had voted to remain in the EU while the overall UK voted to leave.

What is the main goal of the Yorkshire Party as described in the lecture?

To advocate for devolution and local governance without necessarily seeking independence.

What are powers that allow regions to legislate on local matters described as?

Devolved powers.

What does the acronym SNP stand for?

Scottish National Party.

What did the UK government think would happen if they did not allow the Scottish referendum?

They thought refusal would only encourage the independence movement.

What role did civil rights movements play in Northern Ireland's political landscape?

They highlighted inequalities and contributed to 'The Troubles' and political identity.

How does 'English Votes for English Laws' (EVEL) relate to the West Lothian Question?

It was a mechanism to address why Scottish MPs could vote on English-only issues.

What long-term challenges does the UK face regarding its devolved nations?

Managing national differences and ensuring cooperation at the political level.

Which voting system was approved for Scotland's first parliamentary elections?

First Past the Post (FPTP) along with Additional Member System (AMS).

What does the term 'chain reactions' refer to in the context of UK politics?

The effects and consequences of political changes and referendums that lead to further debates and actions.

What does the term ‘ethno-regionalism’ suggest in the context of Scottish and Welsh politics?

Political movements that are driven by ethnic identities and regional interests.

What situation led to Scotland contemplating a new independence referendum?

Scotland's desire to rejoin the EU post-Brexit.

What did Brexit reveal about the economic disparities between UK's devolved regions?

It highlighted the persistent economic disparities that remain despite devolution.

What historical act unified Scotland with England and Wales?

The Act of Union in 1707.

What does the phrase 'territorial constitution' refer to in UK politics?

The framework governing the relationships and powers of the regions and nations within the UK.

What main concerns did voters have in the independence referendum?

Concerns about economic stability and the benefits of remaining in the UK.

What did the Good Friday Agreement aim to address?

It aimed to create peace and power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

How did the Liberal Party's historical stance impact modern devolution discussions?

They promoted federalism in the 19th century but faced opposition from Labour and Conservative parties.

What did the Government of Wales Acts of 2014 and 2017 achieve?

They provided the Welsh Assembly with more powers and responsibilities.

What mechanism did Tony Blair's government introduce to facilitate devolution discussions?

The establishment of the devolved assemblies for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

What do proponents of the 'triple lock' process believe?

Regions must be more involved in the petitioning process for devolved powers.

What is the significance of the phrase 'loaning’ sovereignty in the context of devolution?

It indicates that devolved powers can be taken back by the central government.

What are the challenges that arise from Northern Ireland's unique political situation post-Brexit?

Trade restrictions and maintaining peace despite differing political opinions on border control.

What impact did the 1960s civil rights movement have on Northern Ireland?

It led to greater awareness of social injustice and fueled tensions between communities.

What primary political force opposed independence during the Scottish referendum?

The 'Better Together' campaign representing unionist parties.

Why did the Smith Commission call for more powers to be devolved to Scotland?

To fulfill the promises made during the independence referendum campaign.

How can regional identities in England impact English regionalism?

They may create desires for more localized governance, but not all regions want political powers.

What dynamic response does the UK government show to the evolving political landscape?

Changes are often short-term tactical reactions without clear long-term strategies.

What was the primary goal of the Sinn Féin party in Northern Ireland?

To achieve Irish reunification and represent nationalist interests.

What historical context coincides with the emergence of Welsh nationalism?

The patchwork of lands that eventually became unified under UK governance.

What percentage did the Scottish independence referendum result in for 'No'?

53.3% voted against independence.

What major legal reform did the Good Friday Agreement include?

Power-sharing arrangements in the Northern Ireland government.

What political party won a significant proportion of seats in the 2015 Parliamentary election in Scotland?

The Scottish National Party (SNP).

What event marked a significant change in devolution's approach following the 2014 referendum?

The Scotland Act of 2016, which granted further powers to Scotland.

What does the term 'coalition government' suggest in the context of devolved administrations?

Governments formed by multiple parties to surpass a majority threshold in elections.

What was the aftermath of the 2016 Brexit vote for Scotland?

Increased discussions about a second independence referendum.

What characterized the UK’s approach to regional governance, according to the lecture?

Adapting to political realities by providing more power to localities.

What long-standing issue does the Barnett Formula present to the UK government?

Controversy over funding allocations and perceived inequalities between England, Scotland, and Wales.

What did the 2014 Scottish independence referendum symbolize beyond governance?

A growing national identity and awareness among Scots.

How did the discussions about the Scottish Referendum reflect on national identity?

The debate was tied to feelings of self-governance, identity, and belonging.