Comparing the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly
On the 1st of July 1999 the Scottish Parliament assumed its full
powers and duties. This was a devolved government, where some
legislative powers were transferred from Westminster to the Parliament
in Scotland. The Scottish parliament was designed to embody the links
between the people of Scotland, the members of the Scottish Parliament
and the Scottish Executive. The powers of duty are divided between the
Scottish Executive (handles ministerial powers and duties) and the
Secretary of State for Scotland (holds responsibilities relating to
reserved matters). The Secretary of State however, remains a member of
the UK cabinet. Most importantly, it can pass primary legislation and
has tax varying powers.
The Government of Wales act was passed in 1998, which established a
national assembly for Wales. This was endorsed by a referendum on 18th
of September 1997. This enabled a transfer of the powers from the
secretary of state for Wales to the assembly itself. The first
secretary, Rhodri Morgan is responsible for ensuring that the cabinet
works well as a team, constitutional relationships, cost cutting and
Europe. The Welsh Assembly does not have the same power as Scotland
and is only able to pass secondary legislation.
Referendums were held to ask the question to people in Scotland and
Wales as to whether they wanted devolution. Scotland had previously
held a referendum in 1979 where a ‘yes’ vote scraped through with a
52% majority, however this did not pass due to a 40% turnout. This
radically changed in 1997 where a ‘yes’ vote claimed a 74% majority
with 60% turnout. In contrast...
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...have exceeded expectations due to the feelings
from both of the country towards devolution; and how that
establishment has performed since then. The Welsh Assembly began with
very little support and the Welsh people were pleasantly surprised
when it started passing a great amount of legislation, whereas there
was an outcry for Scottish devolution and although legislation was
passed, it wasn’t in the leagues and to the effect that it was
expected to be. Due to this I think that I agree with the initial
statement, even though both establishments had a lot of problems
through both leadership and failings in the first few years. I think
that the Scottish Parliament simply needs more time to assert itself
as an effective devolved institution, then it will be more obvious to
people of the actual limits of the Welsh Assembly.
then prepares its reports. If a change to the law is decided on then a
Scottish devolution, with its advantages and disadvantages, is the best example of how great political and social changes can be achieved not through bloody revolution but with the patience, intelligence and hard work of a united country but is still a work in progress.
In this article Thorson is arguing against Mayhew and his argument that a divided government does not impact the amount of significant legislation that is passed and enacted. Thorson argues that Mayhew may be correct in that there is no difference between the number of bills passed, but a divided government does effect the formation of coalitions. Thorson specific argument is that party unity votes that favor the dominant party are more likely to form on final votes of passage during periods of unified government....
Scotland's independence is a hotly debated subject with both sides, pro-union and pro-independence, having strong campaigns. Both campaigns, ‘Better Together’ and ‘Yes Scotland’, are unfortunately both biased as they are bombarding the British people with distorted facts, statistics and predictions in hope to gain more support. The public should therefore view both sides claims, expert opinions and keep an open mind to make the right decision on this very important matter on whether it is in Scotlands best interest to become independent or remain part o...
The Political System of Scotland Unlike Wales, which was subdued by conquest in the thirteenth century,
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and the second is a free vote, this is when MPs are allowed to make up
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