Democracy

• The relationships between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

  Are changing, including views on devolution and independence
• Scottish independence


  Devolution has prompted calls for Scottish Independence, and a referendum was taken in 2014, which extended the voting franchise to 16-year-olds
• The outcome of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum was to stay, with 55.3% voting not to leave
• Following the UK's reference to leave the EU

  There have been further calls for Scottish independence as a majority of voters in Scotland (62%) voted remain in the EU
• Arguments for and against Scottish independence in 2014


  • For Independence:
  • Decisions about Scotland should be made by Scottish citizens
  • Scottish taxation and spending would make them a more successful country
  • Scotland could focus on Scottish issues and priorities
  • Scotland would not have to fight British wars or be home to Trident (Nuclear Weapons System)
  • Scotland has an ageing population and could more easily encourage economic migrants
  • Scotland could still have a good relationship with the UK but on an equal footing
  • Against independence:
  • The UK has won wars, built an empire, and been a successful union for 300 years
  • Being part of the UK means being part of the EU and single market
  • Businesses could move their established bases to somewhere else in the UK, leading to a loss of Scottish jobs due to new taxes and regulations
  • Scotland would need to establish a currency union to continue to use the pound
  • The UK is an influential member of international organisations like NATO and the UN. Scotland would be less influential
  • Joint security across the UK is better
• Devolution in Wales


  After the initial establishment of the Welsh Assembly in 1998, power devolved further. In 2010, the Assembly organised a referendum for further legislative powers for Wales. In 2011, Wales was given new powers to legislate for all 20 devolved areas for Wales
• Devolved areas in Wales

  • Culture, the Welsh language and ancient monuments, all of which strengthen the Welsh national identify. For example, the Welsh Language Measure 2011 allows ministers to impose standards on organisations not treating Welsh and English equally
• Northern Ireland Assembly


  Since its creation, The Northern Ireland Assembly has had five periods of suspension, when relations between the different parties in Northern Ireland have been strained. During times of suspension, power to legislate in Northern Ireland reverts to Westminster
• Parliamentary sovereignty


  • The most important part of the UK constitution
  • Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK
  • Future parliaments can make their own laws and amend or remove any existing laws
• The European Union Communities Act 1972 gave priority to EU law over the laws of its member states
• Since the UK Referendum left the EU, we are no longer beholden to EU laws
• Judicial review


  • A type of court proceedings where a judge reviews the lawfulness of decisions or actions taken by a public body
  • If the court finds a decision unlawful it can impose injunction on the public body and may award damages
  • Reasons for reversing decisions include ultra vires, irrationality, procedural impropriety, and legitimate expectation
• Select committees


  • Operate in both House of Commons and House of Lords
  • Role is to check and report back on the work of government departments
  • The public can follow their findings by reading reports published by Parliament
  • Government has to respond to issues raised by select committees
• House of Lords select committees

  • Science and technology
  • Communications
  • The constitution
  • Economic affairs
  • International relations
• House of Commons select committees

  • Examine the work of government departments
  • Spending
  • Policies and administration
  • Current issues
  • Allegations of improper behaviour made against individual MPs
• Parliamentary inquiries


  • Can be called to scrutinise the work of government in a specific area if government are seen to be at fault
  • Recommendations can include parliamentary apologies, compensation, and the removal of policies that may encourage improper actions
• After the 'Children of Windrush' scandal, an inquiry was started to investigate and suggest reforms
• The British Constitution


  • Defines the laws and political principles of the UK
  • Clarifies the relationship between citizens and parliamentary sovereignty
  • Parliament is the legal authority that can make and change laws
• Components of the British Constitution

  • Laws and legislation passed by parliament
  • Conventions developed over time
  • Common law or case law developed and decided by judges
• Institutions of the British Constitution

  • The House of Commons
  • The House of Lords
  • The Monarch, as Head of State
• The House of Commons


  1. Debate bills

  2. Pass laws
• The House of Lords

  1. Scrutinise bills

  2. Formally approve new laws

  3. Amend bills
• The Monarch, as Head of State


  Formally approve new laws
• Features of the British Constitution

  • The power of government, and the role of the opposition
  • The power of the Prime Minister, Cabinet and role of the Civil Service
  • The roles of the legislative and the judiciary and of the police
  • The role of citizens, political parties and the Monarch
• Uncodified constitution


  The constitution is not contained in a single written document
• Parliamentary sovereignty


  Parliament is the legal authority that can make and change laws
• The power of government

  • Power is derived from a majority of seats held in the House of Commons
  • Governments with large majorities have more power to pass legislation
  • The Prime Minister and the Cabinet are the most powerful in deciding the direction of new legislation and the work of individual government departments, with support of the experts in the Civil Service
  • The political authority of the state is divided into Legislative, Executive and Judicial powers to ensure that laws are applied consistently and fairly to UK citizens
• The role of the opposition


  • Are a credible alternative to a current government in elections
  • Monitor the work of government and challenge their politics
  • Can make a government reverse unpopular policies
  • Can suggest amendments to bills proposed by government
  • Can voice the public's views and concerns