Notes on Democracy in Scotland

Features of a Democracy

  • Voting: Citizens aged 16 and above can vote in Scottish elections; 63.2% turnout in 2021.

  • Freedom of Speech: Citizens can express views freely except for hate speech.

  • Right to Protest: Citizens can protest against government decisions (e.g., COP 26 protests).

  • Free Press: Media can publish freely without censorship, allowing criticism of the government.

Devolved Matters

  • Health: Major policy area with about 17-18% of the Scottish budget; response to COVID-19 included setting up Louisa Jordan Hospital and free dental care for under-26s.

  • Education: Represents 11-12% of spending; SQA reform initiated due to exam grading issues.

  • Income Tax: Scotland has six income tax bands; rates set by the Scottish Parliament.

  • Social Security: Manages 11 benefits and allocated budget of around £3.3 billion.

Role of the First Minister

  • Accountability: Weekly questions in Parliament.

  • Cabinet Appointments: Appoints and reshuffles cabinet members.

  • Agenda Setting: Controls parliamentary discussions and represents Scotland abroad.

Political Rights

  • Voting: Citizens should participate in elections to express their voice.

  • Freedom of Speech: Criticism of the government is permitted.

  • Right to Protest: Protests must be peaceful and lawful.

  • Joining Pressure Groups: Citizens can join to influence decision-makers, should comply with laws during protests.

Opportunities for Participation

  • Voting: Age limit of 16, turnout varied (63% in 2021).

  • Sign Petitions: Show public support for causes (e.g., "Anne’s Law" petition).

  • Protest: Successful examples include COP 26 protests.

  • Stand for Election: Even candidates not elected can influence policies.

  • Join Political Parties: Individuals can join to shape party policies and campaign.

Campaign Methods

  • TV Debates: New method for engagement during elections.

  • Manifestos: Outline promised policies; public interest can be piqued by media coverage.

  • Leaflets and Canvassing: Direct outreach to potential voters; effectiveness varies.

  • Party Election Broadcasts (PEBs): Short clips to communicate policies.

Role of the Media

  • Inform: Updates on current issues and events.

  • Educate: Helps voters understand complex policies.

  • Persuade: Influences public opinion on policies and parties.

Trade Unions

  • Reasons for Joining: Improve pay, legal protections, better working conditions.

  • Methods of Influence: Negotiation, lobbying, industrial action (e.g., strikes).

Role of MSPs

  • Debates and Committees: Participate in legislative processes and local issues.

  • Community Engagement: Attending events, holding surgeries, and raising constituents' concerns in Parliament.

Representation Issues

  • Women and Ethnic Minorities: Underrepresentation due to lack of role models and societal issues like sexism/racism.

Committees**: Perform inquiries, hold the government accountable, and scrutinize legislation. Membership proportionate to party representation in Parliament.

Additional Member System (AMS)

  • Features: Two votes, two types of MSPs, and more proportional outcomes.

  • Outcomes: Leads to coalition or minority governments; more equitable seat distribution.

  • Advantages: Fairer representation; empowers smaller parties by allowing proportionality.

  • Disadvantages: Potential for confusion, coalition issues, and tactical voting.