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Devolution

Devolution. P272-290. You need to know. Definitions / key terms – comparison of systems Background to devolution At least 2 systems (powers / electoral process / results )Scotland / Wales Arguments in favour and against Legacy of Labour’s actions?. Key terms.

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Devolution

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  1. Devolution P272-290

  2. You need to know.. • Definitions / key terms – comparison of systems • Background to devolution • At least 2 systems (powers / electoral process / results )Scotland / Wales • Arguments in favour and against • Legacy of Labour’s actions?

  3. Key terms • Unitaryism vs federalism What is the difference? • Parliamentary sovereignty • Constitutions (codified/uncodified) • Referendum • Mandate • West Lothian affair • Administrative devolution • Legislative devolution • Reserved powers • Asymmetric devolution

  4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00s6rtc/The_Andrew_Marr_Show_25_04_2010/http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00s6rtc/The_Andrew_Marr_Show_25_04_2010/

  5. Advantages and disadvantages of unitary and federal states

  6. Advantages and disadvantages of unitary and federal states

  7. Devolution in Scotland • Scotland Act 1998 – parliament of 129 members (AMS) • Since 2007 – Scottish government (not executive – SNP introduction) • Powers? • Health / Education training/ local gov / social work / housing / law / Environment • Reserved powers? • Constitution / foreign policy / defence / employment • http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/scotland/8645190.stm

  8. Scottish government • 129 members elected by AMS • Leader becomes First Minister • He chooses executive (now government) • Powers (47)range from criminal law to education and policing to local government with ‘reserved powers’ (foreign policy , defence ) remaining in Westminster • Annual budget is £30 billion

  9. Key decisions • 1999 – 2007 – coalition with Libe dems • Since 2007 – SNP minority government, backed by Greens • Student tuition fees rejected • Foundation hospitals not introduced • Elderly receive free care in nursing and residential homes

  10. Devolution in Wales • 60 strong National Assembly (rather than parliament) • Elections AMS • Since 2001 Welsh Assembly government • National Assembly less powerful; eg.Not granted primary law making powers • Pressure group on Westminster? • Experienced both minority and coalition governments. • Critics argue- ‘talking shop’ without any significant power

  11. Achievements • SATs abolished for 7 year olds • Quangocracy has been tackled • Clear red water – 2000 Alun Michael lost confidence vote and Rhodri Morgan took over. • 2006 government of Wales act; • Make executive body – The Welsh Assembly Government • Forbid candidates standing as constituency candidate as well as regional list • Grant Assembly greater legislative role • Since 2007 – PC and Labour Coalition • See link on moodle.

  12. Devolution in Wales • How is devolution in Wales different to Scotland? • What have been the recent changes? • Homework – Read and take notes on the article titled ‘ Devolution – Is it working’?

  13. Devolution and the UKWhat’s wrong with the status quo?Politics review 2009 • UK has always been asymmetrically organised. • The union has always been curiously disconnected between its non-English parts. • Piecemeal approach to reform? • What have been the spillovers? • Purpose of Union in post-devolution is unclear.

  14. Sovereignty and devolution. Quasi-federalism?Vernon Bogdanor • Devolution is a new constitutional settlement. • Devolution is not federalism. Federalism involves dividing the powers of government and various states or provinces. Congress is subordinate to the constitution. • Devolution preserves the sovereignty of Parliament. UK fed or dev? • Westminster Parliament’s sovereignty over Scotland now amounts to something far less than the ‘unlimited power’ identified by Dicey. • What change has their been to MPs since 1999? • As a parliament what has Westminster been changed into, according to the article? • What are the varying responsibilities of MPs across the union? • What for the future of Ireland / Scotland and Wales?

  15. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/a-national-conversation

  16. Yes No Has devolution been good for Scotland? (10 marks) 15 minutes to tackle this question.

  17. Yes Gives people legitimacy – 50% support for coalitions formed in 1999/2003. It is democratic – better representation Resulted in Scottish policies Students don’t have to pay tuition fees Better arrangements for health / employment (teaching pay etc) No Not all want an executive pushing an independent agenda – SNP – 32% backing from public (2007) Sewel motion - allows executive to hand debate over to Westminster Lead to reduction in Scottish MPs as a result of West Lothian issue. Has devolution been good for Scotland? (10 marks) 15 minutes to tackle this question.

  18. Democratic Legitimate Government Socially representative Preserves UK as political entity Scottish policies Costs Balkanisation West Lothian Question Recipe for tension Merits and demerits of Scottish devolution

  19. Examples of Scottish policies under devolution • Student tuition fees have been rejected in Scotland • Foundation hospitals have not been introduced • Elderly people have received entirely free care in nursing and residential homes. • Fox hunting has been abolished • Teachers’ pay and conditions improved

  20. Past PapersJune 2009 • Explain the term local government used in the extract. (5 marks) • Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, explain why, following devolution, there is controversy about the representation of Scotland at Westminster. (10 marks) • Devolution has resulted in a genuine dispersal of political power in Britain.’ Discuss. (25 marks)

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