Representation

• Describe, in detail, two ways MSPs can represent constituents in their constituency.

  1. Sometimes our MSP will visit our school. They talk to pupils about issues important to them and help them to understand about politics. For example, James Dornan attended the st Margaret Mary’s question time.
  2. An MSP will hold a surgery in their constituency. Like a doctors surgery, this is a time of the week where the local people can go to speak to their MSP about issues. For example, James Dornan holds surgeries at castle-milk library.
• Describe, in detail, how MSPs represent their constituents in the Scottish parliament (1)

  1. Ordinary MSPs can introduce a bill of their own called a memebers bill. MSPs can suggest a new law to try and address a problem in scotland. For example, one MSP in the Liberal Democrat’s introduced a law to give terminally ill people the right to die.
  2. MSPs take part in the first ministers question time. This is an important opportunity for the MSPs to ask the FM questions that matter to their constituents. For example, John swinney was asked about NHS waiting time.
• Describe, in detail, how MSPs represent their constituents in the Scottish parliament (2)

  1. MSPs will vote on new laws and this is called decision time. Every MSP has to vote on whether they agree or disagree with a suggested new law, known as a bill. For example, MSPs voted to give under 22s a free bus pass.
• explain, in detail, two reasons why women or minorities can be considered underrepresented in the Scottish parliament.

  1. There is a lack of role models for minorities and women. They might not believe that they can succeed in politics because they do not see many people like them. For example, There is only one ethnic minority and female MSP in the parliament
  2. Minorities are underrepresented in the ScottishParliament because of racism. They can be put off getting involvedpolitics because of the abuse they face. For example, Humza Yousaf has spoken about the racism the