nat 5 modern studies (democracy)

• The Scottish Parliament has the power to make laws on devolved matters, such as education.
• Democracy


  A political system where the people choose their government through free and fair elections
• Features of a democratic political society

  • Governments are elected by the people
  • Citizens have political rights
  • Free speech is supported
• Governments in Scotland are elected by the people
• Citizens in Scotland can choose to vote their government or representative out if they feel they are not doing a good job
• Political rights of citizens in Scotland

  • Right to vote
  • Right to join a political party
  • Right to join a pressure group
  • Right to freedom of speech
  • Right to protest
• Free speech is supported in Scotland, allowing citizens to express themselves and their opinions openly
• Citizens in Scotland are able to voice their support for or criticise the government and their actions
• Devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament

  • Education
  • Health
  • Law and order
• Reserved powers of the UK Parliament

  • Immigration
  • Defence
  • Foreign policy
• Devolved powers


  Powers that have been transferred from the UK Parliament to the Scottish Parliament
• Reserved powers


  Powers that are retained by the UK Parliament and not devolved to the Scottish Parliament
• Role of the First Minister

  • Lead the Scottish Government
  • Represent Scotland at home and abroad
  • Appoint and reshuffle cabinet ministers
• The First Minister can "hire and fire" the Government cabinet
• The First Minister needs to agree deals to pass bills


  Sometimes the First Minister must agree deals with other parties to pass legislation
• The First Minister must answer to the Scottish Parliament


  The First Minister is accountable to the Scottish Parliament
• Right to join a party

  People are able to join a political party that reflects their values and share the same vision for Scotland
• Responsibility when joining a party

  People should support the party they have joined
• Right to join a pressure group

  People who feel passionately about an issue are able to join pressure groups to influence public opinion and pressure the Government
• Responsibility when joining a pressure group

  People must not break the law
• Right to free speech

  People in Scotland can express their opinion and criticize the Government without fear of being punished
• Responsibility with free speech


  People must not use hate speech
• Right to protest


  People in Scotland are allowed to gather in large groups to protest about something important to them
• Responsibility when protesting


  People should notify the police in advance and follow all laws
• Ways people can participate in Scottish politics

  • Voting
  • Joining a political party
  • Using social media
  • Protesting
  • Contacting an MSP
• People can stand as candidates themselves in Scottish elections
• People can canvass by going door-to-door and convincing other citizens to vote for their favoured parties and candidates
• People can make financial donations to political parties to support their election campaigns
• Standing as a candidate

  1. Individuals can put themselves forward to represent an area

  2. Argue why they should get votes over the other candidates

  3. Promote the best interests of their constituency

  4. What they would do if they were elected
• Canvassing


  1. Individuals can support their favoured parties and candidates

  2. Going door-to-door

  3. Convincing other citizens to vote for them

  4. Promote the policies of their favourite parties/candidates

  5. Hand out leaflets in support of them
• Making a donation to a political party

  1. Individuals can make a financial contribution to their favoured party/candidate

  2. Used to finance their election campaign

  3. Used for advertising campaigns

  4. Raise awareness of the party and candidates

  5. Donors have a direct impact on the success of the party
• Producing manifestos


  1. Create policies

  2. Make promises to the people about what they will do if they are voted into power

  3. A manifesto is a list of their promises
• Canvassing


  1. Party members and representatives hand out leaflets

  2. Go door-to-door

  3. Organise public events

  4. Spread the word of their ideas and manifesto
• Engaging with the media

  Work with the media to try and promote their ideas and manifestos to the Scottish public in the hope of winning votes
• One way in which political parties participate in Scottish Elections is by producing manifestos
• Another way in which political parties participate in Scottish Elections is by canvassing
• Another way in which political parties participate in Scottish Elections is by engaging with the media
• One way in which the media participates in Scottish Elections is by informing the public of the latest news and developments during election time
• Another way in which political parties participate in Scottish Elections is by holding candidates to account
• Another way in which political parties participate in Scottish Elections is by influencing voters