The Political System of Scotland

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The Political System of Scotland Unlike Wales, which was subdued by conquest in the thirteenth century,

Scotland was never permanently incorporated into the United Kingdom by

force of arms. In 1603 the succession of James I to the throne of

England united the crowns of England and Scotland. However, the union

was only a personal one and Scotland retained its own political and

legal system and its own church. In this essay I will explain the

distinctive features of the Scottish political system, describe the

voting behaviour in Scotland and the future constitutional

relationship between Scotland and Westminster.

The establishment of a common Parliament occurred as a result of the

Treaty of Union of union of 1707, whereby the Scots gained political

representation at Westminster but were guaranteed that certain

features of their administrative system would remain inviolate and

Scotland would retain for all time key institutions. The legal

system, Church of Scotland, Education System and Royal Burghs.

Nationalism is an important element in Scottish politics. This

reflects the belief in the nation being a group of people with shared

values, customs, language, history and traditions. Nationalism as a

concept is a political doctrine believing in the idea that the nation

is the central principle for political organisation. Patriotism is

different from nationalism and can be classed as “cultural”

nationalism” in which there is a desire to maintain a distincti...

... middle of paper ...

... Impact. New Jersey Prentice hall.

Hague. R, Harrop, M and Breslin, S. (1992). Comparative Government

and Politics. An Introduction. Third Edition. Macmillian distribution

Ltd.

Hague. R., Harrop, M and Breslin, S. (1999). Comparative Government

and Politics, Fourth Edition. MacMillian Distribution.

Haralambos. M. and Holborn, M and Heald, R. Sociology Themes and

Perspectives Fifth Edition. Harper Collins

Kingdom, John. (1991). Government and Politics in Britain, an

Introduction. Polity Press.

Simpson, David. (1998). UK Government and Politics in context.

Hodder& Stoughton.

Electoral Reform Society www.electoral-reform.org.uk

Joseph Rowntree Foundation www.jrf.org.uk

Scotland on Sunday www.scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com

The Scottish Parliament www.scottishparliament.uk

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