Democracy in Scotland Notes

Democracy in Scotland

Introduction

  • Democracy means 'rule by the people' or 'people power'.
  • Scotland is a representative democracy.

Key Concepts

  • Democracy: A government system where all the people/citizens rule directly or by choosing others to represent them.
  • Political Party: A group of people who believe in similar things and want to be elected to make/change laws and run the country.
  • Representative: People who act on our behalf; in democracies, they are elected by citizens.
  • Election: A day where people choose/vote for the people who represent them in a democracy.
  • Citizens: People who live in a country and are entitled to all the rights and protections of it.
  • Vote: What people do when they want to choose/ elect someone to represent and make laws for them.
  • Campaign: When people who want to be elected advertise and try to encourage people to vote for them.
  • Government: A group of people who run the country and make/change laws.

Representative Democracy

  • Citizens elect representatives to act on their behalf.
  • Representatives include:
    • MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament)
    • MPs (Members of Parliament)
    • Local Councillors

Dictatorship

  • Opposite of democracy.
  • People lack basic rights and responsibilities.
  • Regular and free elections do not take place.
  • Often ruled by individuals who have seized control.
  • Authority maintained by taking away basic rights.

Human Rights Violations in Dictatorships

  • Torture
  • Imprisonment without a trial
  • Slavery
  • Miscarriage of justice
  • Genocide – the mass murder of innocent civilians

Key Features of a Democracy

  • Governments are elected by the people.
  • Regular and free elections take place.
  • People are allowed to voice their opinion, including criticizing the government.
  • All citizens have rights and responsibilities.

2021 Scottish Parliament Election Facts

  • The SNP won the most seats (64/129).
  • Nicola Sturgeon is First Minister (leader of the SNP).
  • Jamie Hepburn (SNP) was elected as MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Constituency again.

Key Feature 1 - All citizens have rights and responsibilities

  • Citizens' human rights are protected.
  • Responsibilities include being respectful and following the law.

Key Feature 2 - Governments are elected by the people

  • Citizens choose representatives.
  • Elections take place often (e.g., every 5 years in Scotland).
  • Winning party forms the government.

Key Feature 3 - Regular and free elections take place

  • Elections happen often.
  • Citizens can approve or remove the government.
  • Free elections ensure people can vote without fear.

Key Feature 4 - Freedom of expression

  • Citizens can voice support or criticize the government without punishment.