Features of democracy

Created by

Salma Sattar

Cards (18)

One key feature of a democracy is
voting.
In Scotland, people can vote for
their MSP to represent them in
Parliament.
For example, in 2021 the
constituents in Falkirk West voted for
Michael Matheson to become thier
constituency MSP.
One key feature of a democracy is the
right to free speech.
If you dont agree with the government
you can voice your opinion without fear
of punishment.
For example people were able to critise
Nicola Sturgeon during the Covid
Pandemic
One key feature of a democracy is the
right to protest.
If individuals feel strongly about a cause
they can come together to try and change
government legislation. They might carry
out a large march.
For example thousands of people came
together for a pro-Palestinian rally in
Glasgow to demand an immediate
ceasefire in Gaza
The Scottish government have the responsibility of providing a health service in Scotland.
They provide a budget (money) for NHS Scotland which provides services like hospitals, doctors, dentists and opticians. They also make laws and provide extra funding to try to improve public health. For example, the NHS provided Covid vaccinations to people during the covid pandemic.
The Scottish government also have power over Education in Scotland.
This means they can make changes to the education system taught in Scotland. They can provide a budget to help build schools and they provide funding to help close the attainment gap. For example, they provide free further education for Scottish students.
The Scottish Government have power over transport in Scotland.This means they can set drink and drug driving limits. They also provide a budget that allows some people to travel free. For example, all elderly people in Scotland get a free bus pass when they reach 60.
The UK Government make decisions on Immigration, Asylum and Visas.The UK government set limits on how many people are allowed into the UK and for how long. They can also allow refugees to enter our country. For example, the UK launched the 'Homes for Ukraine Scheme' in 2021 that allowed more than 100,000 Ukrainians to come to the UK to seek refuge.
The UK government have power over Defence and National Security.This means they make decisions about military spending on weapons and personnel. They also decide on whether we should get involved in conflict and how we will get involved.
For example the UK Government has sent more than 5,000 next generation light anti-tank defence weapons to Ukraine.
The UK Government have power over most benefits and social security.Most benefits and welfare payments are set by the UK government. They decide what benefits will be offered and what the criteria will be to receive them.
For example, the UK Government provide benefits such as Child Benefit, Pensions and Universal Credit.
A right we have in a democracy is to vote in elections and referendums. You must register to vote before you will be allowed to. Once registered you can vote in the UK, Scottish and local elections. You must be 18 to vote in the UK election. In Scotland you can vote at 16.
For example 63.2% Scottish voters turned out to vote in the May 2021 Scottish Election.
A right we have in a democracy is to join a political party. If you feel strongly about a political party and their policies then you may wish to join. If you join you can help to raise the profile of the party and help with campaigning during an election campaign. You might hand out posters or canvas around doors encouraging people to vote.
For example, members of the public could join a variety of parties including Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats.
A right we have in a democracy is to join a Pressure Group/Protest. If you feel strongly about an issue then you may wish to join a pressure group to help raise awareness about the cause. This might involve signing petitions or taking part in marches/protests.
For example About 100,000 people marched in Glasgow to demand more action on the climate crisis during COP 26
The First Minister(FM) is very powerful because he can appoint individuals to help run the country and fire them if they are not doing a good job. This makes the FM powerful as he can create a cabinet of people who agree with and support his ideas. For example MSP Kate Forbes was appointed deputy first minister and economy secretary by First Minster John Swinney. MSP Neil Gray was asked to continue as health secretary.
The First Minister is powerful because he attends meetings with International Leaders
This makes him powerful as he can make decisions with other world leaders that will benefit the whole of Scotland.For example former FM Humza Yusaf met a variety of world leaders at COP28 to discuss climate change and the changes we could make in Scotland.
The First Minister is very powerful because they are the leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament.This makes the First Minister powerful as they can implement government legislation and make big decisions that affected the whole country.For example former FM Nicola Sturgeon had to make huge decisions about how to deal with Covid and this included a National Lockdown and introduction of compulsory face masks.
The First Minister has to appoint members of his cabinet.
This means he decides who will lead all of the different departments within his government. He can also remove them if he thinks they have done something wrong.For example MSP Kate Forbes was appointed deputy first minister and economy secretary by First Minster John Swinney. MSP Neil Gray was asked to continue as health secretary.
The First Minister has the role of leading the Government.
This means the First Minister must decide the direction and priorities of the Scottish Government.
For example First Minister John Swiney has made Poverty a priority in Scotland and wishes to eradicate it.
Another role of the First Minister is to represent Scotland Abroad.
This involves the FM travelling to build up positive relationships with other countries and their leaders. He will promote Scotland's interests and values. For example in September 2023 Former First Minster Humza Yusaf travelled to New York to discuss Scotland's commitment to tackling Climate Change.