politics a level

• What is the purpose of pontics in a democracy?

  To ensure democracy through elections
• What are the three branches of state mentioned in the study material?


  1. Executive (government): Responsible for making policies and administering laws
  2. Legislature (parliament): Responsible for making laws
  3. Judiciary (supreme judges): Adjudicates on legal duties
• When was Devolution introduced in the UK?

  1997
• What was a significant reason for introducing Devolution?

  To provide an expression for nationalism
• How did the Good Friday Agreement relate to Devolution?

  It included mechanisms for Devolution
• What powers were devolved to Scotland under the Scotland Act of 1998?

  Legislative and tax varying powers
• Who was the first Minister of Scotland from the SNP?

  Alex Salmond
• What was the outcome of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

  45% support for independence
• What did the Scotland Act of 2016 achieve?

  Gave further powers, especially in tax
• What is the Sewell convention?

  Westminster must ask Holyrood before legislating
• What did the UK Supreme Court rule in November 2022 regarding Scottish independence?

  Scottish Parliament can't legislate for a referendum
• What is Devo Max in the context of Scottish Devolution?

  Maximum Devolution before independence
• What was the result of the 1997 Welsh Devolution referendum?

  Very close, 50.5% in favor
• What powers did Wales initially have after Devolution?

  No legislative powers, only administrative devolution
• How did the 2011 Welsh Devolution referendum change Wales' powers?

  Gave primary legislative powers
• What powers does the Welsh Parliament control now?

  Health, education, environment, and housing
• What is a key difference between Welsh and Scottish powers?

  Wales doesn't control law and order
• What was the context for Devolution in Northern Ireland?

  Part of the peace process after the Troubles
• What is the significance of power-sharing in Northern Ireland's Devolution?

  It requires cross-community support for decisions
• What was the role of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland's Devolution?

  It established mechanisms for Devolution
• When was Devolution introduced in Northern Ireland?

  1998
• What is the current political situation regarding Devolution in Northern Ireland?

  It often struggles without cross-community support
• How does the history of the Troubles affect Northern Ireland's Devolution?

  It necessitates power-sharing between communities
• How has the evolution in Northern Ireland developed differently compared to the rest of the UK?

  Due to the specific context and history of the troubles
• When was the power-sharing agreement introduced in Northern Ireland?

  1998
• What was the purpose of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement?

  To establish peace between Catholics and Protestants
• What is required for key decisions in Northern Ireland's government?

  Cross Community Support
• Why has the Northern Irish government been described as fragile?

  Due to frequent suspensions and lack of cooperation
• What happens during government suspensions in Northern Ireland?

  Decisions are made by Westminster's direct rule
• What significant change was made during the direct rule of Northern Ireland?

  Legalization of same-sex marriage
• What is required for the Northern Ireland Assembly to function?

  Power sharing agreement between communities
• What legislative control was given to Northern Ireland in 1998?

  Primary legislative control over devolved areas
• What areas does the Northern Irish Assembly control?

  Health and Social Services, among others
• How does Northern Ireland's tax-raising power compare to Scotland and Wales?

  Northern Ireland lacks major tax-raising powers
• What is the potential for future reforms in Northern Ireland?

  Unlikely due to unionist opposition
• What is a possible future political change in Northern Ireland?

  Referendum on reunification with Ireland
• How does devolution in England differ from that in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland?

  England lacks a parliament for devolution
• Who is a notable mayor in England that gained publicity during COVID-19?

  Andy Burnham
• What was the outcome of the 2004 referendum on regional assemblies in England?

  It was rejected by the electorate
• What is the term used to describe the initiative promoting transport links in Northern England?

  Northern Powerhouse