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Course Introduction National Qualifications

This course provides an overview of the political system in the UK, with a focus on democracy in Scotland. Students will learn about the structure of the political system, the role of the monarchy, the Scottish Parliament, and local councils. This module also covers the Edinburgh Agreement and the debate on Scottish independence.

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Course Introduction National Qualifications

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  1. Course Introduction National Qualifications

  2. Assignment Progress • By now you should have: • Identified a topic • Created a hypothesis and aims • Carried out research (at least 6-10 facts which are relevant to your investigation) • Used at least two methods of research (e.g. internet and survey) • Recorded where each fact has come from (i.e. web address, newspaper title and name of article) • If you are behind – see me at the end.

  3. Today we will… • Outline the National 5 Courses. • Explain the structure of the political system in the UK.

  4. Success Criteria • I can create a diagram which illustrates the structure of the political system in the UK.

  5. Course Structure • There will be two different categories of questions at National 4 and 5 • Knowledge Questions: this is when you answer questions on the topics you have learned • Skills Questions: Using sources to answer questions (three types)

  6. Course Structure • Democracy in Scotland • Social Issues in the United Kingdom: Crime and the Law • International Issues: The USA Assessment National 5 National 5 Assignment National 5 exam

  7. Heading: Democracy in Scotland • This will be our first topic. • Task 1 • Write down anything you know about democracy in Scotland in a spider-diagram

  8. Overview of the Political System in the UK The UK’s political system can be described as a constitutional monarchy. This means that we have a king or queen as Head of State. The Scottish Parliament and Westminster make our laws, not the monarch. The Monarch must remain politically neutral. No Monarch has refused the Parliament’s wishes for over 300 years.

  9. For a law to be passed it must go through Parliament (Scottish or British). It must be given Royal Assent- this means that the Monarch must approve it. The Monarch also reads the Queen’s speech which announces what the government plans to do in the coming year. In the UK, the monarch’s role in the governing of the UK is largely a symbolic one. The monarch has no real political power. Instead the monarch symbolises what the country stands for.

  10. Democracy in Scotland The issue of Scotland’s place within the United Kingdom is likely to be the subject of debate for some time. The re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 led to speculation about Scotland’s future. It has raised the issue of more decision-making power to be devolved to Scotland, ultimately Scottish Independence.

  11. The Edinburgh Agreement This Agreement, struck in Edinburgh, paved the way for a vote in autumn 2014, with a single YES/NO question on Scotland leaving the UK. It also allowed 16 AND 17 year olds to take part in the ballot. Scotland rejected independence (55% No, 45% YES)

  12. The Prime Minister and the First Minister Teresa May (left), Nicola Sturgeon (right) The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is the head of the UK Government. Many decisions (on reserved matters) are taken by the UK Government and affect Scotland. The Scottish First Minister represents Scotland in areas that are devolved to the Scottish Parliament. The First Minister leads the Scottish Government and is expected to have a vision for the country and to lead the country in a positive direction.

  13. Local Councils • All the nations within the UK have a system of local government. • Councils make and carry out decisions on local services such as transport, education, social care and libraries. • Local councillors are elected by the local community to represent their views. • Local Councils receive their money from the government.

  14. Task • Create a diagram which outlines the political structure of the UK. • You should include: The Monarchy The different parliaments in the UK Who is in charge of each Parliament- briefly describe their role. Local Councils

  15. Was I successful? • I can create a diagram which illustrates the structure of the political system in the UK.

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