Democracy in Scotland and the UK

Democracy in Scotland and the UK
- Possible alternatives for the governance of Scotland
  Scotland is run by the Scottish Parliament, which controls devolved powers, and the UK Parliament, which controls reserved powers.
- The UK's decision to leave the EU
  In the referendum of 2016 the UK voted to leave the European Union. This has had an impact on how the UK is run and its global relationships.
- Effectiveness of parliaments in holding government to account
  The main role of MSPs and MPs is to represent their constituents in parliament. Find out how they hold government to account through work on committees, Question Time and debates.
- Strengths and weaknesses of different electoral systems in the UK
  A variety of electoral systems are used in the UK and each has its strengths and weaknesses. First Past the Post is used to elect Members of the UK Parliament. The Additional Member System is used to elect Members of the Scottish Parliament. The Single Transferable Vote system is used in Scotland to elect local councillors.
- Factors influencing voting behaviour
  There are many factors, such as age, social class and gender, that influence how people vote.
- Ways in which citizens can influence government decision making
  From protests and pressure groups, to joining a political party, there are many ways that citizens can influence government policy
Video playlist
- How the Scottish Parliament works - Gypsy travellers. Video
  The response of the Scottish Parliament to the demands of a section of society.
- Local government funding - Public Private Partnership. Video
  A look at the use of Public Private Partnership funding by a local council.
- Meet the civil servant. Video
  A discussion on the role and unseen work of the civil service.
- Outsider pressure groups. Video
  The use of direct action by pro-hunting pressure groups.
- Battle of the Forth Road Bridge. Video
  The problems faced by the SNP to build a new Forth Road Bridge.
- Insider pressure groups. Video
  Three case studies explain the influence of pressure groups on Scottish government.
- How the Scottish Parliament works - Free personal care. Video
  The implementation of free personal care for older people in Scotland.
- Meet the MSP. Video
  Pros and cons of an SNP proposal to raise the age at which alcohol can be purchased to 21.
- Trade unions at Kvaerner Govan. Video
  A series of BBC news items summarising the sequence of events in an industrial dispute.
- How does the political system work in the UK? Video
  An overview of institutions in the UK political system, such as the Houses of Parliament.
- The work of an MSP. Video
  Shona Robison, MSP, Dundee East, explains her work as an MSP.
- The influence of the media. Video
  An examination of the relationship between the media and politicians.
- What are the differences between political systems in Scotland and the UK? Video
  A comparison between the responsibilities of Scottish parliament and the UK parliament.
- How MSPs are elected to Scottish parliament. Video
  An explanation of the Additional Member System used for elections to Scottish parliament.
- How are councillors elected in Scotland? Video
  The Single Transferable Vote system is used to elect local councillors in Scotland.
- How important is public opinion? Video
  The influence of public opinion on shaping government legislation.

Video playlist

Links