Power & decision making

• Describe, in detail, the key features of a democratic political society (1)

  1. There is freedom of speech in a democracy. This means that people can criticise the government and voice their opinion through the media. For example, there have been anti-racism protests across the uk.
  2. All citizens have political rights in a democracy. this means that people can take part in politics and have a say in how the country is run. For example, people have the right to vote protests and run for election in a democracy.
• Describe, in detail, the key features of a democratic political society (2)

  1. There is a free media in a democracy. This means the media has the right to criticise the government and can ask questions about the decisions they make. For example, newspapers support different parties and anyone can post their opinions online.
• Describe, in detail, two devolved powers of the Scottish parliament.

  1. Education is a devolved power. This means the parliament can change how the school system is run. For example, university fees are free.
  2. one devolved power is law and order. This means the parliament runs the courts prisons and police. For example, barlinnie prison in Glasgow is being replaced for a bigger prison to stop overcrowding.
• Explain, in detail, why the first minister is very powerful (1)

  1. One role of the first minister is to lead the Scottish government. This means the first minister makes the final decision on what laws to make in devolved areas. For example, John swinney decided to cut energy bills for the poor and elderly.
  2. A role of the first minister is to represent Scotland abroad. He meets with other world leaders to get good trade deals and to promote Scotland to visit. For example, John swinney met with the world leaders of Germany and Japan.
• Explain, in detail, why the first minister is very powerful (2)

  1. The first minister takes part in FM question time. He can become more popular and powerful by highlighting his achievements and making the opposition look bad. For example, John swinney spoke on helping the climate emergency.
• Explain, in detail, why the first minister of Scotland is not very powerful

  1. The first minister can face a vote of no confidence. This is when members of his own party can vote to remove him if they are unhappy with his performance. For example, members of the SNP asked John swinney to resign when he was deputy FM.
  2. The first minister has a minority government. This means that he does not have majority of MSPs in parliament as has to agree with smaller parties to pass bills. For example, the SNP has 64 out of the 129 MSPS.