Find out the basics about power and decision making in Scotland
There are three parts to the Power and decision making section of National 5 Modern Studies:
- features of democratic society
- devolved and reserved powers
- role and power of the First Minister
Look through this article for a quick look at these areas, or to revise what you have already learned.
Click on the links to get more detailed information on each section.
Features of democratic society
Scotland is part of the UK, which is a constitutional monarchy
- the monarch holds symbolic power only
- the constitution creates laws and principles for how the country is run
Scotland is a representative democracy
- voting allows people to choose political representatives
- all British citizens can stand as a political representative
- freedom of speech protects our ability to express our own opinions
- freedom of association and assembly allows people to come together and work towards common interests
- freedom of the press means the media can hold politicians to account
- independent judiciary protects the justice system from political influence
Find out more detail about features of democratic society in Scotland
Reserved and devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament
Watch this video to find out which reserved matters the UK Parliament has power over, and which devolved matters are under the control of the Scottish Parliament.
Why are there two parliaments?
Scotland is a representative democracy, which means its citizens vote for individuals to represent them.
Everyone in Scotland is represented at two parliaments by MPs at the UK Parliament in Westminster and MSPs at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood.
The UK Parliament has the power to make laws on reserved matters.
These include benefits and social security, immigration, defence, foreign policy, employment, trade and industry, broadcasting, energy, oil, coal, gas and electricity.
Data protection and the Constitution.
The Scottish Parliament has the power to make laws on devolved matters.
These include agriculture, forestry and fisheries education and training, environment, health and social services, housing, law and order, local government and many aspects of transport.
Since 2016, the Scottish Parliament has also had control over some tax and benefits.
In theory, the two parliaments have clearly separate responsibilities, but sometimes there is disagreement about the extent of their powers or the impacts of their decisions.
When this happens, it's up to the Supreme Court to judge who is right.
Scotland is represented at two parliaments:
- UK Parliament in Westminster, London
- Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh
Decisions about reserved matters are made at the UK Parliament as they affect the whole UK andinternational relations
Reserved matters include:
- defence
- social security
- immigration
Decisions about devolved matters are made at the Scottish Parliament as they affect Scotland only and people who live here
Devolved matters include:
- education
- health
- law and order
More powers were devolved to Scotland in the Scotland Act (2012) and Scotland Act (2016), including some power over tax, welfare and borrowing.
Disagreements about reserved and devolved powers are decided on by the UK Supreme Court.
Find out more detail about devolved and reserved matters
Role and powers of the First Minister for Scotland
The First Minister for Scotland is the leader of the Scottish Government.
The First Minister is chosen by all MSPs.
The position of FM covers a number of roles, each with their own responsibilities and limits.
| Role | Responsibility | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Leader of Scottish Government | Decides direction and policies | Only Scottish Parliament can vote through legislation |
| Appoints members of government | Chooses best people for job | Is held to account by Parliament and committees |
| Chairs cabinet | Leads decision making | Needs to balance differing priorities |
| Chooses law officers | Picks key legal advisers | Cannot remove law officers from office |
| Represents Scotland | Shows leadership at home and abroad | Limited time and limited influence on reserved matters |
| Party leader | Balances priorities of Scotland with those of party and individual MSPs | Small majority or minority leadership gives individual MSPs more power |
Find out more detail about the role and powers of the First Minister
What are the role and powers of Scotland's First Minister? revision-guide
Learn how the First Minister for Scotland leads the Scottish Government and their other roles and powers.
More on Democracy in Scotland
Find out more by working through a topic
- count5 of 18
