NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS CURRICULUM SUPPORT
Modern Studies
Government and Decision Making
in Scotland
Students’ Guide
[ACCESS 3]
The Scottish Qualifications Authority regularly reviews
the arrangements for National Qualifications. Users of
all NQ support materials, whether published by
Learning and Teaching Scotland or others, are
reminded that it is their responsibility to check that the
support materials correspond to the requirements of the
current arrangements.
Acknowledgement
Learning and Teaching Scotland gratefully acknowledges this contribution to the National
Qualifications support programme for Modern Studies.
All articles from BBC News © BBC News website. All images © Clipart reprinted by
permission from Microsoft Corporation 2008.
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
This resource may be reproduced in whole or in part for educational purposes by educational
establishments in Scotland provided that no profit accrues at any stage.
2
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
Contents
Section 1: The Scottish Parliament
4
Section 2: The powers of the Scottish Parliament
11
Section 3: Passing laws in the Scottish Parliament
16
Section 4: Representation of Scottish voters
23
Section 5: Holding the Scottish Parliament to account
28
Section 6: Elections to the Scottish Parliament
36
Section 7: The role of the Scottish Government
51
Section 8: Local government in Scotland
59
Section 9: The role of the media
76
Section 10: Pressure groups in Scotland
95
Course conference
111
Glossary
112
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
3
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Section 1: The Scottish Parliament
In this section you will learn:


why Scotland has its own Parliament
why Scotland is part of the UK.
Why did Scotland get its own Parliament?
In 1707 the Act of Union was signed. The Scottish Parliam ent joined
with the Parliament of England and Wales and formed the United
Kingdom (UK).
Form 1707 to 1999 all decisions about Scotland were taken by the
British government.
However, not all Scottish people were happy about this. Over the years
Scots regularly campaigned for changes to the way decisions about
Scotland were taken.
In 1979 a referendum was held in Scotland. The referendum asked the
Scottish people if they wanted their own Parliament. Although 52% of
those who voted wanted a Scottish Parliament, it was not enough to
give Scotland its own Parliament.
Table 1
In 1979 the Scottish people were asked ‘Do you want a Scottish
Parliament?’
YES
52%
NO
48%
Some believe the Scottish football team’s embarrassing performance in
the 1978 World Cup left many Scottish voters believing Scotland was
unable to run the country on its own.
4
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Discussion point
Do you think when the Scottish football team, or any Scottish sports
team, is successful it makes Scottish people more confident?
During the 1980s and 1990s, demand for a Scottish Parliament
increased. People in Scotland were very unhappy about many of the
decisions the UK government was making for Scotland.
At this time the Conservative Party was in charge of the UK
government. However, the most popular party among Scottish voters
was the Labour Party. Many of the government’s decisions were very
unpopular in Scotland. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was also very
unpopular. Coal mines and steel factories closed. This led to high levels
of unemployment in many areas of Scotland. Scottish people believed
their views about Scotland were not being heard. More and more people
argued that the only way the Scottish people could get a say in running
their country was by changing the way decisions about Sco tland were
made.
Activities
Knowledge and understanding: use what you have learned about
the topic so far to answer this type of question.
1.
Give two reasons why Scotland did not get its own Parliament in
1979.
2.
During the 1980s and 1990s, why were many Scottish people
unhappy about the way decisions about Scotland were made?
Enquiry skills: use the source you are given to answer this type of
question.
‘Very few Scots wanted a Scottish Parliament in 1979.’
The view of a British journalist.
Using Table 1, what evidence is there that the journalist could be
accused of exaggeration?
(Exaggeration is when someone twists the truth)
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
5
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Although many Scots wanted to change the way decisions were made
they couldn’t agree on what to do. Some Scots wanted independence.
This would mean Scotland would no longer be part of the UK. The main
supporter of independence was the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Others believed that Scotland should stay part of the UK but be allowed
to make some decisions itself. This is called devolution. The Labour
Party, Liberal Democrats and trades unions supported this idea.
The Conservative Party believed decisions for all parts of the UK
should continue to be made by the British government in London. This
is called ‘unionism’.
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Copy the correct statement.
Devolution means Scotland would no longer be part of the UK.
Devolution means Scotland has its own Parliament to make some
decisions but still remains part of the UK.
2.
In politics what do the terms ‘independence’ and ‘unionism’
mean?
3.
Match the political party to what they want for Scotland.
SNP
Conservatives
Labour
Independence
Devolution
Unionism
Discussion point
What do you think is the best way of making decisions for Scotland:
independence, unionism or devolution?
In 1997, the Labour Party was elected into government. During the
election Labour had promised that if it won it would hold another
referendum on Scottish devolution.
6
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Devolution
The referendum on Scottish devolution took place on 11 September
1997. Voters were asked two questions:
1.
Do you want a Scottish Parliament?
2.
Should a Scottish a Parliament have the power to vary taxes?
A majority of the Scottish electorate voted ‘yes’ on both questions.
Table 2: Results of the 1997 Scottish Referendum
‘There should be a Scottish Parliament.’
76%
‘There should not be a Scottish Parliament.’
24%
‘The Scottish Parliament should have powers to change tax
rates.’
‘The Scottish Parliament should not have powers to change
tax rates.’
64%
36%
Scotland would now receive its own Parliament but still remain part of
the UK. The new Parliament would have the power to increase and
decrease taxes in Scotland.
In January 1998 a new law, the Scotland Act, was passed. The Scotland
Act established Scotland’s new Parliament. It also described the powers
the new Parliament would have.
The first elections for the Scottish Parliament took place on 6 May 1999
and the first meeting was held on 12 May 1999. The Scottish people
had the opportunity to celebrate devolution when the Scottish
Parliament was officially opened on 1 July 1999.
The second election to the Scottish Parliament was held in May 2003.
On 9 October 2004, the new Scottish Parliament building was opened at
Holyrood, Edinburgh.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
7
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
The third Scottish Parliamentary election was held on 3 May 2007. The
winner of this election was the Scottish National Party (SNP). The SNP
formed the new Scottish government and Alex Salmond, the SNP
leader, became Scotland’s First Minister.
Important: Until May 2007, the Scottish Government was called the
Scottish Executive.
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Sort the dates and events into the correct order then make a
timeline.
1707
First Scottish devolution referendum.
1979
First meeting of the new Scottish Parliament
took place.
September 1997
The Scotland Act was passed.
January 1998
6 May 1999
12 May 1999
8
The new Scottish Parliament was officially
opened.
The SNP win third Scottish parliamentary
election and become the new Government of
Scotland.
The new Scottish Parliament building at
Holyrood was opened.
1 July 1999
Act of Union
9 October 2004
First elections to the new Scottish Parliament
held.
3 May 2007
Second Scottish devolution referendum.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
2.
What was the name of the law that gave Scotland its new
Parliament?
3.
Is Scotland a devolved nation or an independent nation? Give a
reason for your answer.
4.
Which political party won the Scottish elections in 2007?
Enquiry skills
‘The Scottish electorate did not want a Scottish Parliament with tax varying powers.’
The view of Alistair Cochrane.
1.
Using the information in Table 2, give two reasons to disagree
with the view of Alistair Cochrane.
2.
Read both views below. Write down two differences between
them.
‘Many Scottish people are very happy to be part of the UK. They
believe being part of the UK has been good for Scotland. Man y Scots
didn’t want devolution.’
The view of Bill Cook.
‘The Scottish people were never happy about being part of the UK.
However, joining with England has had some good points. Bu t most
Scots wanted devolution.’
The view of Heather Russell.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
9
THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Extension
Visit the BBC’s Devolution website at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/politics97/devolution/scotland
It is 1997.You are a journalist for a Scottish newspaper. You have been
asked to write a report on the devolution referendum campaign. Use the
information on this website to write your report.
You could use the information in the following ways:

Click on ‘Remember last time’ for information on the referendum of
1979.

Click on ‘Devolution news’ for information on the 1997 referendum,
who/which parties supported devolution, who/which parties were
against devolution, interesting events during the campaign, opinion
polls and the result.

Click on ‘People and place’ for information on the people who took
part in the campaign.
10
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE POWERS OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Section 2: The powers of the Scottish Parliament
In this section you will learn:

what devolved powers are
what reserved powers are
 how devolved and reserved powers effect the lives of people in
Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament is a devolved Parliament. This means it can
make decisions on many important issues that affect Scotland.
However, Scotland still remains part of the UK: this means the House
of Commons also makes some decisions that affect Scotland.
Devolved powers
The Scottish Parliament can make decisions on many important issues
that affect the everyday lives of the people of Scotland. These are
called devolved powers.
The Scottish Parliament can use its devolved powers to make decisions
for Scotland. For example, decisions can be taken on how to improve
the health of the Scottish population.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
11
THE POWERS OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Source A
Smoking stubbed out in Scotland
A ban on smoking in public places – including bars and restaurants – has
started in Scotland.
Lots of people say the ban is a step forward in keeping people healthy, but some
people are worried it might cost jobs and be against human rights.
A recent poll has also found out that one in five smokers in Scotland say they're going
to ignore the ban.
It's the first place in the UK to bring in a ban. A similar ban is being brought in to
England in 2007.
Northern Ireland is introducing a ban in April next year, while no date has been set yet
in Wales.
Scotland's First Minister Jack McConnell said this was Scotland's ‘largest single step
to improve its health for generations’ and a day of pride for the nation.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4840000/newsid_4846900/4846906.stm
© BBC News website
12
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE POWERS OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Reserved powers
The UK Parliament can still make decisions that affect Scotland. These
are called reserved powers. For example, the decision to go to war with
Iraq in 2003 was taken by the British government. This decision ha s
affected many Scottish families.
Source B
Teen in protest on Iraq soldiers
A girl whose brother was killed serving with the British army in Iraq was offered
a surprise meeting with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.
Maxine Gentle, 14, was delivering a letter to Tony Blair when Mr Prescott offered to
meet her and her mum.
He told them he was sorry a letter of sympathy from Mr Blair arrived nearly seven
weeks after the tragedy.
But Maxine told Newsround: ‘No matter what they do it's not going to change that [my
brother] Gordon's gone.’
In her letter, Maxine, from Glasgow, pleaded with Mr Blair to send all the British
soldiers in Iraq home.
‘I just hope it brings back the soldiers, that's all,’ said Maxine.
Her brother Gordon, 19, was killed in Basra on 28 June when the jeep he was
travelling in came across a roadside bomb.
He was sent to Iraq just a few weeks after finishing training for the 1st Battalion Royal
Highland Fusiliers.
Angry
Maxine's mum, Rose Gentle, walked out of the meeting with Mr Prescott saying he
was ‘talking rubbish’.
Mrs Gentle is understood to have been very angry that the letter from Mr Blair took so
long to arrive.
Maxine and her mother were joined at Downing Street by members of the Stop The
War coalition and anti-war Labour MP Jeremy Corbyn.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/uk/newsid_3579000/3579432.stm
© BBC News website
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
13
THE POWERS OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Table 1
Devolved Powers
Health
Education
Transport
Housing
Training
Economic Development
Agriculture
Environment
Table 2
Reserved Powers
Constitutional Matters
Foreign And Defence Policy
Economic Policy
Social Security
Medical Ethics
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Write down two devolved powers and two reserved powers.
Enquiry skills
‘The Scottish Parliament can’t make any important decisions for
Scotland.’
The view of Mani Ramzam.
1.
Explain why Mani Ramzan could be accused of exaggeration.
‘The House of Commons can still make decisions that affect people in
Scotland.’
The view of Claire Stuart.
2.
Give one reason to agree with the view of Claire Stuart.
14
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE POWERS OF THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Extension
Design a leaflet to explain who is responsible for taking decisions in
Scotland. In your leaflet you should describe devolved and reserved
powers.
Discussion Point
Do you think the Scottish Parliament has too little or too much power?
Why?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
15
PASSING LAWS IN THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Section 3: Passing laws in the Scottish Parliament
What you will learn:

how laws are passed by the Scottish Parliament
what Members Bills are
 how the people of Scotland can influence changes to the law.

The Scottish Parliament can use its powers to make new laws for
Scotland. A new law must go through a number of stages before it can
become law.
Stage 1
Every new law starts off as a bill. A bill is a proposal for a new law. In
the Scottish Parliament, a bill is discussed before it can be introduced.
This is called a consultation.
If the MSPs support the general principles of the bill, it goes on to the
next stage.
Stage 2
The bill is given to a group of MSPs called a committee. The committee
scrutinises the bill by investigating it in great detail. At this stage
changes called amendments are often made to the bill.
Stage 3
The bill is then passed back to the MSPs to vote on. If it is successful
the bill is given to the monarch (king or queen) to sign. This is called
Royal Assent. It is now a law.
Bills often face a difficult journey to becoming a law.
16
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PASSING LAWS IN THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Source A
Timeline: Scotland's fox hunting bill
The bill to outlaw hunting with dogs has turned into a long-running and difficult
process for the new Scottish Parliament.
The bill was introduced by Labour MSP Mike Watson.
Here is a timeline for the bill:
 July 1999: Mike Watson announces he wants to introduce a bill in the Scottish
Parliament to ban hunting with dogs.
 21 September 1999: Mr Watson tables his bill.
 November 1999: An investigation into the effects of the bill begins.
 26 November 1999: The Countryside Alliance launches a legal bid to stop the bill.
It fails.
 4 April 2000: Mike Watson speaks to the rural development committee about his
bill.
 26 June 2000: The investigation into the bills finds that up to 300 full-time jobs
could be lost if the bill becomes law.
 11 July 2001: The rural development committee decides not to support the bill.
 19 September 2001: 84 MSPs vote to support the Bill. 34 are against it.
 13 November 2001: Rural development committee make changes to the bill.
 16 December 2001: Thousands demonstrate on the streets of Edinburgh against
the bill.
Adapted from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1816168.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What is a bill?
2.
How many stages does a bill have to go through in the Scottish
Parliament before it becomes a law?
3.
Copy the correct statement.

 The Scottish Parliament scrutinises all bills. Committees and
MSPs can investigate, ask questions and vote on new bills.

 It is easy for bills to be passed in the Scottish Parliament. MSPs
rarely investigate bills or vote on them.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
17
PASSING LAWS IN THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Enquiry skills
Read Source A. Write down one conclusion on how difficult it is to
pass bills in the Scottish Parliament. Give a reason for your conclusion.
(A conclusion is when you decide what the information is telling you.)
Discussion point
Why do you think it is so difficult to make a new law?
A variety of people can introduce bills in the Scottish Parliament.
Most of the bills introduced in the Parliament are called Government
bills. This is because the Scottish Government introduces them.
If a bill is successful it becomes an Act of Parliament. This means it is
now a law.
An example of a Government Bill that has become law is the Anti Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.
Bills can also be introduced by individual MSPs. These bills are called
Members Bills. MSPs may introduce a bill on an issue they or their
constituents are concerned about. For example, in 2005, the Labour
MSP for Coatbridge and Chryston, Elaine Smith, successfully
introduced a bill on breastfeeding in public places.
18
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PASSING LAWS IN THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Source B
Law ensures breastfeeding rights
A new law giving mothers the right to breastfeed in public has come into effect.
The law makes it legal for mothers to breastfeed their babies in places like bars, buses
and shopping centres.
Businesses who try to stop mothers breastfeeding in these places could be fined up to
£2,500.
The new law was proposed by the Labour MSP Elaine Smith. She hopes the new law
will increase breastfeeding rates. It was passed by Parliament in November 2004.
MSPs voted by 103 to 13 to make the Breastfeeding (Scotland) Bill into law.
Some MSPs voted against the bill. They didn’t want businesses to be forced to allow
breastfeeding on their premises.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/4359891.stm
© BBC News website
Dennis Canavan’s bill to introduce a Saint Andrews Day holiday
became law in November 2006. Dennis Canavan was an independent
MSP for the constituency of Falkirk West, and retired in Ma y 2007.
Source C
MSPs approve St Andrew's day bill
A bill to celebrate St Andrew's Day has become law.
The MSP Dennis Canavan introduced the bill two years ago.
Saint Andrews Day may now become a holiday for many Scots.
The Independent MSP said he hoped the holiday would grow in years to come.’
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/6193670.stm
© BBC News website
Committees can also introduce bills. In 2003 the committee bill,
Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Bill, became
law.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
19
PASSING LAWS IN THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
2.
Who introduces most bills in the Scottish Parliament?
What is a Members bill?
Enquiry skills
‘It is only the Scottish Government that can introduce bills in the
Scottish Parliament.’
The view of John O’Hanlon.
Read Sources B and C. Explain why John O’Hanlon can be accused of
exaggeration.
Discussion point
Would you have supported the Members Bills about Saint Andrews Day
holiday and breastfeeding in public places? Give reasons for your
decision.
Members of the public can influence new bills for the Scottish
Parliament. They can do this by submitting petitions on issues they are
concerned about. Often these petitions influence decisions taken by the
Scottish Parliament. In October 2006 the 1000th petition was submitted
to the Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament by the pupils
from All Saints Secondary School, Glasgow.
20
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PASSING LAWS IN THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Source D
Children submit 1,000th petition
Pupils from a Glasgow school have handed in the 1,000th petition to the
Scottish Parliament.
Three youngsters from All Saints Secondary School have been calling for an inquiry
into the public health impact of cheap alcohol.
A committee will go to the school later this month to investigate the pupils' petition.
Some petitions have led to a change in the law.
Many of the 1,000 petitions have been unsuccessful.
However some petitions have led to changes in the law. The smoking ban in Scotland
was influenced by a public petition.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/5404808.stm
© BBC News website
The Scottish Parliament’s petitions system has been so successful that
Parliaments in other countries have introduced their own versions.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
21
PASSING LAWS IN THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
Describe, in detail, how people in Scotland can help to change the law.
Enquiry skills
‘People in Scotland can influence the laws that are made in this
country.’
The view of Mary Jones.
Read Source D. Give one reason to agree with the view of Mary Jones.
Extension
As a group you will attempt to organise your own petition. You will do
this by:





using the information in Source D
sgreeing on an issue you and your group are concerned about that
the Scottish Parliament can deal with
describing this issue in detail and giving reasons why others should
be concerned about it
discussing this issue with your class, teacher and, if possible, your
MSP
deciding how you can convince the Scottish Parliament to introduce
a bill on this issue.
You can find out more about petitions and petitioning the Scottish
Parliament on the Scottish Parliament’s website:
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk
22
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
REPRESENTATION OF SCOTTISH VOTERS
Section 4: Representation of Scottish voters
What you will learn:
what is meant by ‘representation’
what a constituency is
 what a region is
 the difference between regional and constituency MSPs
 how MSPs represent their constituents


Representation is when someone speaks on your behalf. The people of
Scotland elect MSPs to represent them in the Scottish Parliament. There
are 129 MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.
Scotland is divided into 73 constituencies. A constituency is a local
area which elects representatives to speak on their behalf in Parliament.
Each constituency is represented by a MSP. These MSPs are called
constituency MSPs. There are also eight regions. A region is a lar ger
area made up of a number of constituencies. Each region has seven
MSPs to represent it in the Scottish Parliament. These MSPs are called
regional list MSPs. There are 56 regional list MSPs.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
23
REPRESENTATION OF SCOTTISH VOTERS
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
How many constituencies are there in the Scottish Parliament?
2.
How many regions are there for the Scottish Parliament?
3.
What does the word representation mean?
4.
Name the two types of representative in the Scottish Parliament.
5.
How many MSPs are there in the Scottish Parliament?
Extension
Visit Scottish Parliament website at http://www.scottish.parliament.gov
Click on ‘MSPs’ on the website toolbar.
Find out:

the
the
 the
 the

name
name
name
name
of
of
of
of
the constituency you live in
the region your constituency is part of
your constituency MSP
your regional MSPs.
The role of MSPs
The people who live in a constituency are called constituents. MSPs can
represent their constituents in many ways. They can represent th eir
constituents in the constituency and in Parliament.
In the constituency
MSPs can hold surgeries in their constituencies. A surgery is an
opportunity for constituents to visit their MSP. They are usually held in
the evenings and weekends in local schools or community centres.
Constituents can meet with their MSP to discuss local and national
24
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
REPRESENTATION OF SCOTTISH VOTERS
issues. For example, a constituent may meet with their MSP to talk
about anti-social behaviour in their community.
Constituents can also contact their MSP by letter, phone or email. Many
MSPs have local offices that are open during the day from Monday to
Friday. MSPs have websites to publicise their work and contact details.
MSPs can hold public meetings in the constituency. They may hold a
meeting to discuss issues such as school closures. The MSP could also
choose to raise such local issues with the media, by giving interviews to
newspapers, and radio and television broadcasters. MSPs can also
represent their constituents by supporting local campaigns. For
example, they may join a demonstration against changes to local
healthcare services.
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
Describe, in detail, three ways a MSP can represent their constituents
in the constituency.
In Parliament
MSPs also represent their constituents in the Scottish Parliament. They
can do this by asking questions in Parliament on the issues raised by
their constituents. For example, if a constituent discussed housing
issues with their MSP, the MSP could go to Parliament and ask a
question on this issue. They could also raise the issue during a debate.
MSPs can join committees in the Scottish Parliament. They may decide
to join a committee to investigate issues that will affect their
constituency. Ted Brocklebank, a regional list MSP for Mid-Scotland
and Fife, is a member of the Environment and Rural Affairs Committee.
The region he represents has many rural communities.
An MSP can also introduce a bill on an issue constituents have raised
with them. In 2006 the Scottish Socialist MSP Frances Curran
introduced a bill on free school meals. She believed that this bill would
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
25
REPRESENTATION OF SCOTTISH VOTERS
benefit her constituents as well as other school children and their
families throughout Scotland.
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Describe, in detail, three ways an MSP can represent their
constituents in the Parliament.
2.
Copy and complete the table below.
Ways MSPs can represent
their constituents
How an MSP can use this
method
Hold a surgery
Take part in a debate
Ask questions in Parliament
Hold public meetings
Enquiry skills
‘MSPs do very little for the people of Scotland. They are a waste of
time and money. They do not represent the people of Scotland. ’
The view of Harry Knox.
‘MSPs work very hard for the people of Scotland. They help to pass
new laws and ask questions about the decisions taken by the Parliament
which affect their constituents.’
The view of Mary Bradley.
Write down two differences between the opinions of Harry Knox and
Mary Bradley.
26
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
REPRESENTATION OF SCOTTISH VOTERS
Extension
Visit Elaine Smith MSP’s website at: http://www.elaine-smith.co.uk
Use the suggestions below to take notes on Elaine Smith MSP.
Biography
 What is the name of the constituency she represents?
 When was she first elected as MSP for this constituency?
 Which other representatives does she work closely with?
 What are the major issues she wants to tackle as a MSP?
 What does she want to achieve for her constituents?
Parliament
 What questions has she asked in Parliament?
 Which committees is she a member of?
 What speeches she has made in Parliament?
Breastfeeding Bill
 Describe the new law Elaine Smith has introduced.
Monklands Accident and Emergency (A&E)
 Does Elaine Smith agree with the decision to close the A&E at
Monklands Hospital?
 How will Elaine Smith represent the views of her constituents on this
issue?
Constituency
 Which towns are in this constituency?
Surgery
 What are the times and venues of Elaine Smith’s surgeries?
Discussion point
Do you think MSPs do enough to represent their constituents?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
27
HOLDING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT
Section 5: Holding the Scottish Parliament to
account
What you will learn:






what the term accountable means
why decision makers have to answer questions
why debates take place in Parliament
what committees are
the role of committees in the Scottish Parliament
why MSPs can come under pressure to resign.
In a democracy the people elect representatives to act and make
decisions on their behalf.
It is very important that when decisions are made the people have the
opportunity to ask questions about these decisions.
If decisions are made that the people and representatives are unhappy
with then those making the decisions must explain themselves. This is
called accountability.
Accountability is one of the Scottish Parliament’s main principles.
There are a number of ways the Scottish Parliament and Scottish
Government can be held to account.
Asking questions
MSPs can ask questions to ministers. They may choose to ask questions
about an issue their constituents are concerned about. They can also ask
questions about the decisions the government has been making.
By asking questions, MSPs represent their constituents and put decision
makers under pressure.
28
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HOLDING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT
Source A
Leaders clash over elderly care
The First Minister [Jack McConnell] has promised to ‘take action’ against
councils who are not doing enough to look after the elderly.
The Scottish National Party used First Minister's Question Time to accuse the First
Minister of not looking after the elderly.
The Conservatives also criticised the government’s treatment of the elderly.
The First Minister said the government was doing as much as it could to make sure
the elderly were being looked after properly.
However, the SNP leader [Nicola Sturgeon] in the Scottish Parliament said this was
not good enough. She hoped the government would spend more money on helping
the elderly.
The First Minister said he would make sure that the elderly would get all the help they
needed.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/5060238.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What does the term accountable mean?
2.
Why is it important for MSPs to ask the government questions?
3.
What might a MSP ask a question about in Parliament?
Enquiry skills
Read Source A. What conclusions can you make about asking questions
in the Scottish Parliament?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
29
HOLDING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT
Debates
When the Scottish Government wants to introduce a new law, it must
hold a debate in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament. A debate is
when people discuss an issue. During a debate MSPs can ask questions
and discuss the good and bad points of the bill. MSPs also vote on any
new bills. This gives MSPs the power to decide whether the bill w ill
become law or not.
Debates can also be held about important issues concerning the people
of Scotland. During the debate the Government may come under
pressure to give its point of view on the issue.
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
When might MSPs be involved in a debate in the Scottish Parliament?
Committees
There are 16 committees in the Scottish Parliament. Each committee is
made up of a group of MSPs. Committees are responsible for a
particular area that the Scottish Parliament can make decisions on.
Committees can investigate decisions that have been taken by the
government. To help them to carry out their investigations they can ask
members of the government to come to a meeting of the committee.
Government ministers may be asked to answer questions about
decisions they have taken or new laws they want to introduce.
30
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HOLDING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT
Source B
Some of the committees in the Scottish Parliament:








Communities
Education
Enterprise and Culture
Environment and Rural Development
Health
Justice 1
Justice 2
Local Government and Transport
MSPs from all the political parties in the Scottish Parliament can
become a member of a committee. An MSP may join a committee
because the area it deals with is important to their constituents. They
may also have experience in that subject. Until 2007 Jean Turner the
former Independent MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden was a member
of the Health Committee. She was a retired Doctor who was concerned
about cuts in healthcare services.
Source C
Health Committee membership (2007)









Roseanne Cunningham (SNP)
Janis Hughes (Labour)
Helen Eadie (Labour)
Kate McLean (Labour)
Duncan McNeil (Labour)
Nanette Milne (Conservative)
Shona Robison (SNP)
Euan Robson (Liberal Democrat)
Jean Turner (Independent)
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
31
HOLDING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Copy the correct statement:

 Committees are made up of MSPs. A committee can investigate
government decisions. It can ask members of the government
difficult questions about the decisions they have made.

 Committees are not important. They cannot investigate
government decisions or ask members of government questions
about the decisions they have made.
2.
Write down the name of three committees in the Scottish
Parliament.
Enquiry skills
‘There are few committees in the Scottish Parliament.’
The view of Harry Morris.
1.
Using the information in Source B, explain why Harry Morris can
be accused of exaggeration.
‘Members of any political party in the Scottish Parliament can join
a committee.’
The view of Samantha Coley.
2.
Using the information in Source C, give reasons to agree with
Samantha Coley.
During 2006 the Health Committee investigated the Scottish
Executive’s decision to provide free care for the elderly. They also
wanted to find out how well this policy was working. When the
investigation was completed they published a report.
This led to the Scottish Executive admitting that the policy of free care
for the elderly was not working as well as it could.
32
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HOLDING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT
Important: Until May 2007, the Scottish Government was called the
Scottish Executive.
Source D
'Confusion' over free care policy
Ministers have admitted their policies to support the elderly are not working as
well as they had hoped.
The Scottish Executive admitted this after a committee investigated how well the
elderly were being looked after. The committee has now published a report on their
investigation.
The Health committee is worried that not enough money is being spent on looking
after the elderly.
The Scottish Executive said it will try to sort these problems.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/5293040.stm
© BBC News website
Activity
Enquiry skills
‘Committees don’t have any powers. They can’t put decision makers
under pressure.’
The view of Ian Capaldi.
Read Source D. Give two reasons to disagree with Ian Capaldi’s view.
Inquiries can also be held into decisions taken by the Scottish
Parliament and Government.
Inquiries can investigate controversial decisions. They are usually
carried out by a respected and experienced individual.
In 2004 Lord Fraser of Carmylie carried out an inquiry into the building
of the new Scottish Parliament. It was called the Holyrood Inquiry.
Many people in Scotland, including MSPs, were concerned about the
cost of the new Parliament. They were also unhappy about the time it
was taking for it to be completed.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
33
HOLDING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What is an inquiry?
2.
Why did Lord Fraser carry out an inquiry in 2004?
Government Ministers (previously called Executive Ministers) can also
come under pressure to resign. This can occur when it is believed they
are not carrying out their duties effectively or responsibly. Sometimes
this leads to them being sacked. In June 2004 Frank McAveety came
under pressure to resign over a lunchtime incident.
Source E
'Out to lunch' minister's apology
A minister in the Scottish Parliament is in trouble for being late for Question
Time.
Frank McAveety, the minister for tourism, told MSPs he was late because he was
working. However, Mr McAveety was actually having lunch in the canteen.
Mr McAveety has had to apologise.
The First Minister told Mr McAveety that his behaviour was not acceptable.
Mr McAveety was due to answer questions in the Parliament. MSPs noticed Mr
McAveety was not in the Parliament when he didn’t answer the first question.
When the third question came up Mr McAveety’s chair was still empty. Mr McAveety
then dashed into the Parliament.
A flustered Mr McAveety said: ‘Sorry, deputy presiding officer, I was detained at the
Arts Council book awards.’
However, three journalists said they had seen Mr McAveety eating a pie and beans in
the Parliament cafe when he should have been answering questions.
Mr McAveety offered a full apology.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/3837403.stm
© BBC News website
In October 2004 the First Minister asked Frank McAveety to resign.
Ultimately, all MSPs are held accountable by their constituents. If the
constituents are not happy with the way their MSP is representing them,
they may choose to vote for someone else at the next election.
34
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
HOLDING THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT TO ACCOUNT
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Why did Frank McAveety come under pressure to resign in
2004?
2.
Using the information in this section draw a spider diagram
showing the ways the Scottish Parliament and Government are held to
account.
Enquiry skills
‘Ministers can do whatever they want. They never have to apologise.’
The view of Nicky Reid.
Read Source E. Give a reason to disagree with the view of Nicky Reid.
Extension
Using the Scottish Parliament website, find out more about the role of
committees in the Scottish Parliament.
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk
Discussion point
Do you think decision makers come under enough pressure to explain
their decisions?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
35
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Section 6: Elections to the Scottish Parliament
What you will learn:









what an electoral system is
what electoral systems are used in the UK
how these electoral systems work
the advantages and disadvantages of these systems
how constituency MSPs are elected
how regional MSPs are elected
what coalition government is
what minority government is
why the 2007 election was controversial.
There are a variety of ways citizens can elect their representatives. The
method used during an election is called an electoral system.
There are many types of electoral system. Each electoral s ystem has
advantages and disadvantages.
There are two main types of electoral system: First Past the Post and
proportional representation.
The electoral system used for elections to the UK Parliament is called
First Past the Post. This means that the single candidate with the most
votes in the constituency wins and wins the Parliament ‘seat’ for that
constituency. Some people believe this electoral system is unfair as
political parties can gain most of the representatives without getting
most of the votes (as the other candidates may have won more votes
between them). However, others argue that by using First Past the Post
every constituency has its own representative.
Proportional representation means that the number of seats a party wins
is proportional (a similar percentage) to the amount of votes it wins.
Some say proportional representation (PR) systems make election
results fairer. However, others say PR leads to weak government
because it is hard to get an overall winner.
36
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What is an electoral system?
2.
Name the two main types of electoral system.
3.
Complete this table.
Electoral
system
Advantage
Disadvantage
First Past the
Post
Proportional
representation
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
37
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Additional Member System (AMS)
When the Scottish Parliament was created, it wanted use an electoral
system that would give a fair result. It also wanted an electoral system
that would keep a link between MSPs and their constituencies.
It was decided that elections to the Scottish Parliament would use an
electoral system called the Additional Member System (AMS). This
system gives a fairer overall result and ensures that all constituencies
have a MSP.
It does this by giving voters two votes. One vote elects a constituency
MSP. The other vote elects a regional MSP.
AMS is a mixture of First Past the Post and proportional representation:
this means it is a hybrid electoral system.
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What is the name of the electoral system used for elections to the
Scottish Parliament?
2.
How many votes do people have when electing MSPs?
Enquiry skills
‘MSPs are elected using First Past the Post. This is a very fair way to
elect representatives.’
The view of Omar Rahman.
‘First Past the Post is a very unfair way to elect representatives. The
Scottish Parliament uses the Additional Member System to elect MSPs.’
The view of Trish Hughes.
Write down two differences between the opinions above.
38
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Elections for the Scottish Parliament
Scottish Parliament elections are held every four years. The first was
held in 1999, the second in 2003 and the third election was held on 3
May 2007. A total of 129 MSPs are elected to the Scottish Parliament.
There are 73 Constituency MSPs. These MSPs are elected using First
Past The Post. Each constituency MSP represents a single constituency.
For example, Elaine Smith is a constituency MSP. She was elected to
represent the constituency of Coatbridge and Chryston.
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
Use the words in the word bank to complete these sentences:
MSPs are elected every _____ years. The first election was in
_____. There are _______ MSPs. There are two types of MSP. 73
MSPs are _________________ MSPs. 56 of the MSPs are
_____________ _________ MSPs. Constituency MSPs are elected
using ________ ________ _______ _________.
Word bank
constitiuency
four
regional list
129
1999
First Past the Post
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
39
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Electing constituency MSPs
Table 1 shows five constituency MSPs and the constituencies they were
elected to represent following the Scottish Parliamentary elections in
2003.
Constituency MSP
Constituency
Elaine Smith
Coatbridge and Chryston
Des McNulty
Clydebank and Milngavie
Brian Adam
Aberdeen North
Mike Pringle
Edinburgh South
Dennis Canavan
Falkirk West
Activity
Enquiry skills
‘Elaine Smith and Des McNulty are constituency MSPs.’
The view of Donald Gardner.
Using the information in Table 1, give one reason to agree with the
view of Donald Gardner.
Each constituency MSP was elected by standing as a candidat e and
gaining more votes than any other candidate in their constituency.
40
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Table 2 shows the result of the election for the Scottish Parliamentary
constituency of Falkirk West in 2003.
Candidate
Party
Votes
%
14,703
55.7
Dennis Canavan
Independent
Michael Mathieson
SNP
4703
17.8
Lee Whitehill
Labour
4589
17.4
Iain Mitchell
Conservative
1657
6.3
Jacqueline Kelly
Liberal Democrat
748
2.8
Activity
Enquiry skills
Using the information in Table 2, write a conclusion about this election
result.
Electing regional MSPs
For the second vote Scotland is divided into eight regions. Each region
elects seven regional list MSPs. There are 56 regional list MSPs.
Table 3 shows the eight Scottish Parliamentary regions.
Scottish Parliamentary regions
Central Scotland
Glasgow
Highlands and Islands
Lothians
Mid-Scotland and Fife
North East Scotland
South of Scotland
West of Scotland
Each region is made up of a number of constituencies.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
41
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Table 4 shows the constituencies that make up the region of Central
Scotland.
Constituencies in the region of Central Scotland
Airdrie and Shotts
Coatbridge and Chryston
Cumbernauld and Kilsyth
East Kilbride
Falkirk East
Falkirk West
Hamilton North and Bellshill
Hamilton South
Kilmarnock and Lodon
Motherwell and Wishaw
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
Name three of the regions for Scottish Parliament elections.
Enquiry skills
‘The regions in the Scottish Parliament are very small. They are only
made up of two or three constituencies.’
The view of Alan Murray.
Using the information in Table 4, give a reason to disagree with Alan
Murray’s view.
42
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Table 5 shows the Regional List MSPs for Central Scotland and their
parties before the election in May 2007.
Name
Margaret Mitchell
Donald Gorrie
Linda Fabiani
Michael Mathieson
Alex Neil
Carolyn Leckie
John Swinburne
Party
Conservative
Liberal Democrat
SNP
SSP
SSCU
Regional List MSPs are elected using a PR system. These additional
MSPs ensure that the final result represents the votes of the ele ctorate.
If the Labour Party gains 40% of the votes, it should gain 40% of the
Regional List MSPs.
It does this by making it very difficult for political parties who do well
in the constituency vote to win many regional MSPs.
For example, although the Labour Party gained more regional votes
than any other political party in Central Scotland in the election of 2003
it was unable to gain any Regional List MSPs. This is because of the
large number of constituency MSPs it had gained in the region.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
43
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Copy the correct statement:

 Regional List MSPs are elected using First Past The Post.
 Regional List MSPs are elected using PR.
2.
Why do some political parties find it difficult to win regional
MSPs?
Enquiry skills
‘It is difficult for the Labour Party to win regional MSPs in Central
Scotland.’
The view of Gary MacDonald.
Using Table 5, give a reason to agree with Gary MacDonald.
Coalition government
Important: Until May 2007, the Scottish Government was cal led the
Scottish Executive.
After an election it is the party with the most MSPs that forms the
government.
Using AMS often means that one political party cannot gain more than
half of all MSPs. This means that the political party with the most
MSPs will have to co-operate with another political party.
After the Scottish Parliamentary elections in 1999 the Labour Party
gained the most MSPs. However they did not have a majority of the
MSPs. To run the Scottish Executive the Labour Party had to work with
another party. They chose to form a partnership with the Liberal
Democrats. This is called coalition government.
44
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
The coalition between Labour and the Liberal Democrats continued
after the elections of 2003.
Table 6 shows the results of the 1999 and 2003 Scottish Parliamentary
elections.
Party
Labour
Scottish National Party (SNP)
Conservative
Liberal Democrat
Green
S.S.P.
Others
1999
56
35
18
17
1
1
1
2003
50
27
18
17
7
6
4
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What does the term coalition mean?
2.
Which political party did the Labour Party work with to run
Scotland after the elections in 1999 and 2003?
Enquiry skills
1.
Using Table 6, draw conclusions about:


 the party with the most MSPs after the 1999 election
 the party with the most MSPs after the 2003 election
 changes between the 1999 and 2003 election.
Source A
To run the Scottish Government a political party needs to get at
least 65 MSPs. If the party with the most MSPs has fewer than 65
MSPs, it may have to work with a smaller political party.
2.
Using the information in Table 6 and Source A draw a conclusion
on what the party with the most MSPs after the 1999 and 2003
elections would have to do to run the Scottish Government.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
45
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Using AMS means there is a greater chance of coalition government.
There are both advantages and disadvantages of coalition government.
Advantages

Smaller political parties gain government experience.
 It is fairer – political parties should not be able to run the Scottish
Government when most people voted for a different political party.
 Having another political party in government represents the views of
the voters.
Disadvantages

Why should a political party with little support be in the government
at all?
 The electorate did not vote for two parties to run the country.
 It can lead to weak government.
 It gives smaller parties too much power – the largest party has to
give up some of its policies while accepting policies form the smaller
partner.
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
Complete this table:
Advantages of coalition
government
Disadvantages of coalition
government
Discussion point
Do you think coalition government is a good way to run th e country?
46
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Representation of minority views
AMS also gives smaller political parties, such as the SSP and the
Greens, a greater chance of having candidates elected to the Scottish
Parliament.
Many argue this reflects the views of the Scottish people mo re
accurately. The variety of political parties represented in the Scottish
Parliament has led to it being called a ‘rainbow Parliament’.
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Why might smaller political parties like AMS?
2.
Why has the Scottish Parliament been called the ‘rainbow
Parliament’?
Minority government
The 2007 election result was extremely close. The SNP gained 47
Parliament seats while the Labour Party gained 46. Therefore, the SNP
won the election by gaining one more Parliament seat than the Labour
Party.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
47
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Table 7: shows the results of the 2007 Scottish Parliamentary elections.
Party
% of
% of
Constituency
Region
% of
Constituency
Region Seats
MSPs
MSPs
Seats
MSPs
MSPs
SNP
21
28.8
26
46.4
47
36.4
Labour
37
50.7
9
16.1
46
35.7
Conservative
4
5.4
13
23.2
17
13.2
Liberal
Democrats
11
15.1
5
8.9
16
12.4
Other
0
0.0
3
5.4
3
2.3
The SNP decided not to form a coalition. Instead, the SNP formed a
minority government. This means the Government has fewer MSPs than
all the other political parties in the Parliament put together.
The SNP control the Scottish Government; however, because it has less
MSPs than the total of the other political parties in the Scottish
Parliament, it will have difficulty making decisions and passing laws.
The smaller parties also suffered during the 2007 election. The Scottish
Socialist Party lost all of its MSPs and the number of Green MSPs w as
reduced to only two.
48
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
2.
Match the beginning of theses sentences to the correct ending.
After the 1999 and 2003
elections
the SNP formed a minority
government
After the 2007 election
lost many of their MSPs in 2007
Smaller parties
the Labour Party joined a
coalition
Copy the correct statement.
 Minority government is when the government has less than half
of the total number of MSPs.
 Minority government is when the government has more than
half of the total number of MSPs.
2.
Why might minority government be a difficult way to run the
country?
3.
Give a reason why the Scottish Socialist Party would have been
disappointed after the 2007 election.
Enquiry skills
‘The SNP were the clear winners of the 2007 Scottish Parliament
election.’
The view of Martin Rankin.
Using the information in Table 7, give a reason to disagree with the
view of John Rankin.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
49
ELECTIONS TO THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Problems with the 2007 election
The 2007 election was controversial because many votes were not
counted. This affected more than 100,000 votes. Some believe that the
ballot papers were too complicated and may have confused voters. The
electronic machines being used for the first time to count the ballot
papers were also blamed.
Source B
Inquiry into Scottish votes botch
There's going to be an investigation after a massive vote bungle in the Scottish
elections.
About 100,000 votes may not count following problems with a new electronic counting
system.
Voters also seemed confused about how to fill in ballot papers and there were
problems with people voting by post.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6620000/newsid_6624400/6624447.stm
© BBC News website
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
Give two reasons why many votes were not counted during the 2007
election Scottish Parliament Election.
Enquiry skills
‘There were no problems during the 2007 Scottish Parliament
elections.’
The view of Jock Wilson.
Using the information in Source B, give a reason to disagree with the
view of Jock Wilson.
Discussion point
Which voting system do you think is the best way to elect
representatives?
50
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Section 7: The role of the Scottish Government
What you will learn:

what the Scottish Government is
how coalition government works
 how minority government works
 the role of the First Minister
 the role of ministers in the Scottish Government

Important: Until May 2007, the Scottish Government was called the
Scottish Executive.
Until 2007, the Scottish Government was called the Scottish Executive
(the SNP changed the name when it came to power). The Scottish
Government makes decisions on the areas the Scottish Parliament has
responsibility for. These are called devolved powers. The Scottish
Government can make decisions on devolved issues such as educat ion
and healthcare.
The political party with the most MSPs gets the chance to run the
government. However, the largest political party in the Parliament does
not usually have enough MSPs to run the government on their own.
This means the largest party will have to find another political party to
work with and form a coalition, or try to run the government on their
own (minority government).
How coalition government works
Before a coalition can be formed, the parties involved must reach an
agreement. This is called a Partnership Agreement. The Partnership
Agreement sets out what the Government will attempt to do for the four
years (before the next election).
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
51
THE ROLE OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
A partnership involves more than one group working together. Usually
the groups in a partnership do not always get everything they want.
For example, during an election campaign the Labour Party may
promise to deliver a number of policies when elected. After the election
the Labour Party may have the most MSPs but not enough to run the
government on their own. This means it does not have enough MSPs to
deliver all the policies it promised. The Labour Party will then have to
find a partner to help it run the government. They may try to work with
a political party that is similar to them, such as the Liberal Democrats.
However, the Liberal Democrats may not agree with all of Labour’s
policies. Before agreeing to work with the Labour Party, the Liberal
Democrats may demand that the Labour Party drop or change some of it
policies. The Liberal Democrats may also demand that some of their
policies become law. They may also ask for Liberal Democrat MSPs to
be given important positions in the Government.
Source A
MSPs approve coalition deal
Labour and Liberal Democrat MSPs have given their backing to a coalition deal
to run Scotland for the next four years.
The party leaders have reached an agreement.
Labour's 50 MSPs gave the deal their support after a 90-minute meeting.
Lib Dem MSPs supported the deal after a meeting on Wednesday evening.
The Labour leader said his party's plans to get tough on youth crime could now be
carried out.
Some of the important positions in the executive will go to Lib Dem MSPs. Some of
the Lib Dems policies, such as using PR in council elections, will now become law.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/3024443.stm
© BBC News website
The Partnership Agreement of 2003 set out what the Scottish Executive
would attempt to do in the next four years. By agreeing to a coalition
with the Liberal Democrats, the Labour Party was able to form the
Scottish Executive. This meant it was able to carry out many of its
policies, such as dealing with anti-social behaviour. As the Liberal
Democrats were also members of the Executive, they were able to
influence policies. Liberal Democrat policies, such as using
proportional representation at council elections from 2007 , became
important Executive policies.
52
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What did the Scottish Executive change its name to in 2007?
2.
In your own words, describe what is meant by the term coalition
government.
3.
Name the two political parties that made up the coalition
government in Scotland in 1999 and 2003.
Enquiry skills
‘The Labour Party made all the decisions in the Scottish government
between 1999 and 2003.’
The view of Kenny Bruce.
Using Source A, explain why Kenny Bruce can be accused of
exaggeration.
How minority government works
As you have learned the Scottish Government in 2007 chose to form a
minority government instead of a coalition government.
A minority government does not make a four-year deal with another
party. This means it has to try to gather support for each of its policies
one at a time. This can be very difficult. It can also take up a lot of
time. It means only a few of the government’s policies may pass
successfully through Parliament. However, one advantage is that the
government does not have to share power with another political pa rty.
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of minority government.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
53
THE ROLE OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
The First Minister
The Scottish Government is led by the First Minister. The First Minister
is usually the leader of the largest party in the Scottish Parliament. The
First Minister is elected by MSPs.
Source B
Top Scottish politician elected
Alex Salmond has become Scotland's first minister – making him the most
important man in Scotland.
The Scottish National Party leader got the most votes from MSPs.
Mr Salmond will be in charge of making big decisions which will affect everyone living
in Scotland.
He said: ‘I believe Scotland is ready for change. We're a small nation but we've got a
big future.’
Alex Salmond is the first person from the Scottish National Party to become first
minister.
The Scottish Nationalist Party gained 47 MSPs while Labour got 46. The SNP is now
the biggest political party in Scotland.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr//cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6660000/newsid_6661800/6661815.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
Use the word box to complete these sentences:
The leader of the Scottish Government is called the
________________________. The First Minister is usually the
leader of the party with the most ________. The First Minister is
_____________ by MSPs.
Word box
elected
54
MSPs
First Minister
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Enquiry skills
‘The First Minister is a very important person in Scotland.’
The view of Rory Sweeney.
Using Source B, give a reason to agree with the view of Rory Sweeney.
Ministers in the Scottish Government
The First Minister leads discussions on Government policies and has
the final say on these matters.
The First Minister also chooses the people who will work in the
Government. MSPs who work in the government are called ministers.
Ministers will be MSPs from the parties that make up the Government.
Each Minister is responsible for delivering Government policies. The
role of each Minister is usually linked to a devolved power. For
example, within the Scottish Government there is a Health Minister.
The Health Minister is responsible for carrying out the Government’s
health policies. The ministers in the Government are called the Scottish
Cabinet.
The First Minister can decide to sack or change ministers. Changes to
the cabinet are called a reshuffle.
Source C
First Minister announces new cabinet
The SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon will become the deputy first minister and
health secretary.
The first minister named his minister for finance and his minister for education and
lifelong learning. He also named other ministers.
MSPs voted on the First Minister’s cabinet.
This is a list of some of the ministers who are now in the Scottish Cabinet:





Bruce Crawford – Parliamentary business
Linda Fabiani – Europe, external affairs and culture
Jim Mather – enterprise, energy and tourism
Stewart Stevenson – transport, infrastructure and climate change
Maureen Watt – schools and skills
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
55
THE ROLE OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT





Adam Ingram – children and early years
Shona Robison – public health
Stewart Maxwell – communities and sport
Fergus Ewing – community safety
Mike Russell – environment
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/6663031.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What is the name given to a MSP who works in the Scottish
Government?
2.
Complete this sentence:
Ministers in the Scottish Government are called the S_______
C _______
3.
Who chooses the ministers who will work in the Scottish Cabinet?
Enquiry skills
‘The First Minister runs Scotland on his own.’
The view of David Keane.
Using the information in Source C explain why David Keane can be
accused of exaggeration.
Ministers play an important role in the Scottish Government.
They are involved in making new laws. Ministers are responsible for
introducing new Bills and for the progress of a Bill. The minister will
take part in debates and may have to make changes to a Bill. The
56
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
minister will also have to ensure there is the support of enough MSPs
for a Bill to be successful.
Ministers must also attend Question Time. This is an opportunity for
MSPs to ask ministers questions about the decisions they have taken.
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
Use the word bank to complete these sentences:
_______________ are an important part of the Scottish
Government. The _______ ________________ chooses the people
they want to be ministers. Ministers are usually ______ from the
political party which makes up the government. The ministers in
the government are called the ____________.
Ministers are involved in making _______. They also have to
answer questions during _____________ ___________.
Word bank
laws
ministers
Question Time
First Minister
MSPs
Cabinet
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
57
THE ROLE OF THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Mini investigation
Visit the following website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk
You will use this website to carry out a mini investigation on the
Scottish Government.
Your investigation should:

include an introduction
 describe the Scottish Cabinet including its members
 describe any decisions and actions the Scottish Government are
making at the moment
 include a conclusion.
58
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Section 9: Local government in Scotland
What you will learn:




what local government is
the responsibilities local government has
how local government receives and spends money
the role of councillors in local democracy.
What is local government?
Local government plays an important part in the everyday lives of
people in Scotland.
Local government is often referred to as the local authority and local
council.
Local government has been around for a very long time. Glasgow has
had a form of local government for more than 100 years. During the
19th century (1800s) the national government, in London, realised it
was difficult for it to make all the decisions that affected people
throughout the UK. It decided to allow local people to make some of
the decisions that affected their day-to-day lives. Local councils, such
as Glasgow Corporation, were set up to make decisions on a variety of
local issues. These early local councils were able to make decisions
about water, education and housing.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
59
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What is local government sometimes called?
2.
How long has Scotland had local councils?
3.
Give one reason for having local government.
Local government has changed a lot during the past 100 years.
Scotland now has 32 local authorities. Each local authority provides a
wide range of services. They also have many powers and
responsibilities.
Scotland’s local authorities have democratically elected representativ es
called councillors. They also employ a large number of people.
Councillors are involved in making decisions that affect the everyday
lives of local people. Council employees provide essential local
services.
Local government is part of our local democracy. This means it is
accountable to local people.
60
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Link the word to its correct meaning.
Wards
services that people require, such as housing
and education.
Key services
the areas which make up a local authority
Councillors
highest position among council officials
Local government
paid employees that run the local council
Chief Executive
representatives elected at a local level.
Council officials
make decisions and provides services at a
local level
2.
How many local authorities are there in Scotland?
3.
Complete this sentence:
4.
Local authorities are d_____________; this means they are
a______________ to local people.
Discussion point
Do you think we need local councils in Scotland?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
61
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
The responsibilities of local government
An important responsibility of local government is to provide a variety
of services. These services are often called key services. Key services
include housing, education and roads.
Table 1 describes some of the services that local government provides
to its residents.
Service
What they do
Housing
Local councils provide housing for rent. This
involves building, repairing and improving
council housing as well as collecting rent.
Education
Local councils provide nursery, primary and
secondary education for children living in the
authority.
Roads
The local council repairs and maintains roads
within the authority. It is also responsible for
street lighting, car parks and gritting roads
during winter.
Recreation Services
This covers a wide range of services including
cemeteries and crematoriums, parks and leisure
facilities such as sports centres.
Environmental
Services
This includes waste collection and disposal,
environmental health and trading standards.
Cultural Services
Local councils provide many cultural services
such as libraries, museums and theatres.
62
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Source A
Council to bin its litter patrols
A Scottish local authority is stopping its street sweeping service.
Over the next few months, East Lothian Council will stop the service from a number of
town centres.
The first part of the East Lothian Litter Initiative will take place in Tranent town centre
on Saturday.
Councillor Willie Innes said people in Tranent had been told of this.
The council hopes local people will ‘look after their own small sections of pavement’.
For the first week, sweeping staff in Tranent will only empty bins, clear broken glass
and remove other dangerous items.
During the second week litter wardens will patrol at lunchtimes to make sure people
are not dropping litter.
The council hope this policy will help to keep East Lothian tidy.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/5316054.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What does the term ‘key service’ mean?
2.
Describe, in detail, three services that local councils in Scotland
provide.
Enquiry skills
’Local councils do not have any powers. They cannot make any
decisions that affect local people.’
The view of Holly MacGill.
Using Source A, give reasons to disagree with Holly MacGill ’s view.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
63
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Extension
You work for a local advertising agency. You have been asked by your
local authority to organise an advertising campaign. The campaign will
tell local people about the services the local authority provides. You
will:

plan your campaign
decide on the methods you will use (posters, leaflets, ICT)
 carry out your campaign.

How local government is accountable
Local government is accountable to local people and the Scottish
Government. This is to make sure local people receive good quality
services and that local authorities are meeting their responsibilities.
Representatives are elected within the local authority. They are chosen
by people living in the local authority to speak and make decisions on
their behalf. Councillors are involved in making decisions about the
services the local council will provide.
If people in the local authority believe councillors are making the
wrong decisions they can vote for someone else.
Councillors are usually members of a political party. Elections to
Scotland’s councils take place every four years and use an electoral
system called Single Transferable Vote (STV).
Source B
Labour lose council majority vote
The Labour Party no longer control Edinburgh City Council. Half of its council
seats were gained by other parties in the council elections.
This is the first time in 23 years that Labour has not controlled Edinburgh City Council.
Liberal Democrat councillors won 17 seats while SNP gained 12, the Conservatives
11 and the Greens 3.
It is thought councillors will now enter into coalition talks.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6624421.stm
© BBC News website
64
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Who are local authorities in Scotland accountable to?
2.
Complete this sentence:
Local authorities are accountable to make sure local people get
good quality s___________.
3.
Give one reason why local people elect councillors.
4.
Name the voting system used for local government elections.
Enquiry skills
Read Source B. Write down one conclusion about the election result.
The Scottish Government controls local authorities in Scotland.
The Scottish Government uses ‘best value’ to measure the quality of the
services that local authorities provide.
If the Scottish Government believes a local authority is not delivering
good quality services, it can take action. This means local authorities
are accountable to local people and the Scottish government.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
65
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Source C
Council warned by public watchdog
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) has been criticised in a
government report.
The report called for improvements to management and decision making within the
local authority.
The chief executive of the council said he would investigate the problems. The report
said the council must make changes. These changes would also have to be
introduced quickly.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/4799231.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Enquiry skills
‘Local authorities in Scotland can do whatever they want. They are not
accountable to anybody. Local people are stuck with their local
councillor and can’t change them.’
The view of Ross Grant.
‘People in Scotland are not always happy with the services local
authorities provide. However, local authorities in Scotland are
accountable to local people and the Scottish Government. If local
people are not happy with the decisions their local councillors are
making they can vote for someone else.’
The view of Thomas Traynor.
1.
Describe two differences between the views of Ross Grant and
Thomas Traynor.
‘Councils can do whatever they want. They are not accountable to
anyone.’
The view of Melissa Carson.
2.
Using Source C, give a reason to disagree with Melissa Carson’s
view.
66
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Extension
Use the internet to carry out an investigation into your local authority.
You should find out:






the name of your local authority
the areas that make up your local authority
the name of your local councillor
the name of the leader of the local authority you live in
which political party has the most councillors in your local authority
the services that your local authority provides.
Financing local government in Scotland
Council services are very expensive. The money local authorities
receive to provide services is called funding. Local government is
funded in a variety of ways.
Table 2
Where do local authorities get their money?
Scottish Government
Council Tax
Public Private Partnership (PPP)
Charges
Most of the money Scottish local authorities receive comes from the
Scottish Government. In November 2005 local authorities were told by
the Scottish Executive that they would receive almost £17 billion over
the next two years.
Most locals authorities belong to an organisation called COSLA.
COSLA represents local authorities in discussions with the government.
Local authorities also raise money by charging people living in that
area a Council Tax. Local authorities set the level of tax a household
has to pay. The tax is based on the value of the house a person lives in
– this calculation is unpopular with some people, such as the elderly.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
67
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Write down three ways in which local authorities can receive
money.
2.
Which organisation represents local authorities?
3.
Name one group of people who are unhappy with the council tax.
Source D
Minister tells councils how much money they will get
Councils in Scotland have been promised almost £17 billion by the finance
minister.
Tom McCabe, the Finance Minister, told MSPs in the Scottish Parliament on
Wednesday that local authorities are going to receive £8.3 billion in 2006-07 and £8.5
billion in 2007-08 to fund key services.
Mr McCabe said this would be enough to keep council tax increases low.
COSLA believes this money is not enough to run local services.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/4461722.stm
© BBC News website
Enquiry skills
‘Local authorities receive very little money to run council service.’
The view of Peter Morrison.
Using Source D, give reasons to disagree with the view of Peter
Morrison.
68
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Source E
Council tax 'doubles in 10 years'
A report says the average council tax bill in Scotland has doubled in the last
decade.
The council tax was introduced in April 1993 – the average bill has doubled in
Scotland, and is now £925 per year.
Council tax bills are different across Scotland. People in East Dunbartonshire pay the
most at £1,176 each year.
People in the Western Isles, the area with the lowest average council tax bill, only pay
£681.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/4298672.stm
© BBC News website
Enquiry skills
1.
Using the information in Source E, what conclusions can you make
about the amount of council tax people pay across Scotland?
Local authorities can also pay for services by entering into partnerships
with private companies. This is called Public Private Partnerships
(PPP). PPP involves the local authority agreeing to pay a private
company to build council facilities.
North Lanarkshire Council has used PPP to build many new schools. As
with the Council Tax, individuals and groups, such as trade unions,
disagree with this method of funding.
Another form of funding is charging for council services such as the use
of council leisure facilities and rent from council housing.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
69
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Source F
Schools PPP project to open doors
Stirling Council's £100m schools project is nearly finished.
The Public Private Partnership (PPP) deal will provide four new high schools and a
community centre. Other schools will also receive cash to modernise them.
The project began in April 2006.
One councillor said the work would ensure pupils were taught in quality buildings and
help local communities.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7029534.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Describe what PPP is.
2.
Name one group that does not agree with using PPP to fund
council services.
3.
Write down one advantage of using PPP.
Enquiry skills
‘Providing council services is very expensive.’
The view of Lewis Nicol.
1.
Using Source F, give one reason to agree to with Lewis Nicol’s
opinion.
70
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Extension
You are an investigative journalist working for a local newspaper. You
have been asked to write a report on funding for local authorities. Your
report should include:





which newspaper the report is for
a headline
a detailed description of the various methods of local government
funding ( money from government, council tax, PPP and charges)
arguments for and against these methods of funding
a conclusion.
You should use the internet and contact local groups, councillors and
other useful contacts to find out more. You can then write this report.
The role of councillors
A councillor is an elected local representative. Every four years, voters
living in Scotland get the opportunity to elect local representatives who
will work on their behalf. These local representatives are called
councillors. Councillors are elected to make decisions that affect the
people living in the local authority. Councillors make many important
decisions.
Councillors are elected using a voting system called Single
Transferable Vote (STV). STV is a form of proportional representation.
Local authorities are divided into areas called wards. Each ward elects
councillors to represent them in the council. Under STV each ward has
a number of councillors to represent it. These wards are called multimember wards. The more people who live in a ward the more
councillors it will have.
Glasgow City Council has 21 wards. Each ward can have as many as
four councillors representing it.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
71
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Why do local people in Scotland elect councillors?
2.
How are councillors in Scotland elected?
Elected councillors usually belong to a political party.
Table 3 shows the political parties which the councillors elected to
Glasgow City Council in 2007 belonged to.
Political party
Number of councillors
Labour Party
45
Scottish National Party (SNP)
22
Liberal Democrats
5
Green Party
5
Conservative Party
1
Solidarity
1
The leader of the council is usually elected by the largest political part y
in the council. For example, Steven Purcell is currently the Council
Leader of Glasgow City Council. He is an elected councillor and
member of the Labour Party. Labour is the largest party in Glasgow
City Council.
The Council Leader is the political leader of the council. Local
authorities in Scotland usually have a provost. The provost carries out
duties such as attending functions on behalf of the council.
Councillors have the power to make decisions that will affect the
everyday lives of people living in the local authority. Councillors will
be involved in making decisions about setting how much council tax
local people will have to pay, helping local people to recycle their
waste, maintaining and improving schools, providing social work
services and dealing with housing issues.
72
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
1.
What do most councillors belong to?
2.
Complete this sentence:
The council leader is the p_________ leader of the council.
3.
Describe the role of the provost.
4.
Write down issues councillors that can make decisions about.
Enquiry skills
Using Table 3, write down one conclusion about the election result for
Glasgow City Council in 2007.
Diagram 1 shows some of the ways councillors decisions affect the
lives of people living in the local authority.
I can recycle most of
my rubbish now that
the council has
provided new bins.
Councillors’
decisions
I think I am paying
far too much in
council tax.
Our new school has
more computers and
the heating works.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
73
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Councillors are usually local people. They usually live in the local
community and are well known within the area they are representing.
This should make them more aware of the issues that are aff ecting
people in the community.
Councillors can discuss the concerns of local people by holding
surgeries. Surgeries give members of the community the chance to meet
with their councillor and raise issues with them. There are many ways a
councillor can represent local people. They can discuss issues at
council meetings, raise the issue during council debates, join or giving
evidence to a committee and hold public meetings.
Diagram 2 shows some of the ways a councillor can represent local
people.
Ways a councillor can
represent local people
Hold regular surgeries
in the community
Raise issues in the
council: attend
meetings, take part in
debates, raise issues
with a committee
Support local
campaigns: sign
petitions, attend public
meetings, join
demonstrations
Councillors can also provide a link with other representative in the
area. MPs often have to spend much of their time in London while
MSPs are often in Edinburgh representing constituents at the Scottish
Parliament. Councillors can meet with other representatives for that
area, such as the local MPs and MSPs, and pass on the concerns of
people living in that community.
74
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SCOTLAND
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
Describe three decisions councillors can take that will affect the lives
of local people.
Enquiry skills
1.
‘Very few councillors belong to a political party’. Using the
information in Table 3 give one reason to disagree with this
statement.
2.
Using the information in Diagram 1 write down one conclusion
you can make about the decisions that councillors can make.
3.
‘Councillors represent local people in many ways.’ Using the
information in Diagram 2, give two reasons to agree with this
view.
Extension
You have learned about the roles both the Scottish Parliament and local
authorities play in Scotland’s democracy.
You will now organise a conference about democracy in your local
area. Your conference should be attended by elected representatives for
your community.
You should:










create a conference committee
agree a date, time and venue for your conference
agree what the topics for your conference should be
decide on a name and logo for your conference
contact and invite suitable speakers for your conference
create posters and fliers to advertise your conference
contact the local media to raise awareness of your conference
decide who will welcome and introduce the speakers
prepare questions and contributions you can make to the conference
decide how you will thank those who have participated in the
conference.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
75
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Section 9: The role of the media
You will learn:


what the media is
how the media can influence people and decision makers in Scotland.
What is the media?
The media is the term used to describe the many ways people in society
communicate with each other, including the internet, television, radio,
newspapers and magazines.
Every day, millions of people in the UK read newspapers. Newspapers
are a cheap and easy way for people to find out what is happening in
the world. People buy newspapers for a variety of reasons. Some people
read newspapers for information on sport; others want to find out more
about politics.
Table 1 shows the number people in the UK who read selected popular
newspapers.
Newspaper
Number of readers
The Sun
3,733,052
Daily Record
540,886
The Sunday Times
1,387,182
76
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
There are two main types of newspapers in the UK:

Broadsheets: these newspapers tend to include in-depth reports on
politics and current affairs.
 Tabloids: these are less serious than the broadsheets, and usually
include human interest stories and make use of pictures.
Table 2 shows which newspapers are broadsheets and which are
tabloids.
Broadsheets
Tabloids
The Herald
Daily Record
The Guardian
Daily Mirror
The Telegraph
The Sun
Sunday Times
News of the World
Newspapers are often bias. This means they tend to lean to a particular
side of the report. For example, it is very clear who the football
magazines the Celtic View and Rangers News are bias towards. Many
people buy newspapers because these newspapers hold simi lar views to
themselves.
Newspapers are sometimes accused of exaggeration. This is when a
news report stretches the truth.
Activity
Read the news report in Source A. Can you find the ways in which this
report may be exaggerated?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
77
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Source A
Children run riot in local shop
A large gang of uncontrollable youths today rampaged through a local newsagents
causing massive amounts of damage. It may cost the shop owner hundreds of pounds
to replace the stolen and damaged goods.
Three children, who can not be named for legal reasons, were questioned about the
theft of three chocolate bars. As they left the shop one of the accused fell over a
display causing three glass drink bottles to fall to the ground.
The police are continuing their investigations.
Millions of people also rely on television to provide them with
information. BBC and ITV news programmes provide many people in
the UK with their daily dose of news. Unlike newspapers, television
news is not supposed to be bias. However, both ITV and the BBC h ave
been accused of bias, as well as exaggeration, over news reports.
More and more people throughout the world now have access to the
internet. Increasingly people use the internet to receive and pass on
information. Instead of buying a newspaper or watching TV news
people can now choose to go online to read the news. As well as
reading the news, people can create news themselves by posting
comments and pictures. They can also create their own blogs and access
websites such as YouTube, My Space, Facebook and Bebo.
The media is constantly changing. New technology changes the way
people can communicate with each other. New forms of media, such as
the internet, allow billions of people throughout the world to contact
each other and share information. Digital technology also allows people
to become part of the media. Media companies increasingly rely on
members of the public using their mobile phones to send pictures and
reports from news scenes.
New media replaces older forms of media. Fewer people read
newspapers today in the UK than ten years ago. Fewer people listen to
the radio. However, many more people have access to the internet.
78
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
What does the term ‘media’ mean?
Write down two examples of the media in Scotland.
Complete this statement: The two main types of newspapers in the
UK are q__________ and t____________.
Name one tabloid and one quality newspaper in the UK
Give three reasons why people read newspapers in the UK
How does television help people find out what is happening in the
world?
Describe two ways the internet helps people gather and pass on
information.
‘Ordinary people can now make the news.’ Give one reason to
agree with this statement.
Enquiry skills
‘Many people read newspapers in the UK’
The view of Jordan Burns.
1.
Using the information in Table 1, give one reason to agree with
the view of Jordan Burns.
‘People in the UK can only buy a few newspapers in the UK’
The view of Eamon O’Neil.
2.
Using the information in Table 2, give one reason why Eamon
O’Neil can be accused of exaggeration.
Discussion point
Which newspapers do you read? Why do you read them?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
79
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Extension
1.
In groups collect a copy of a tabloid and one of a quality
newspaper. Study each newspaper. As a group agree on the
differences between each paper. You should look for:







2.
Visit the BBC news website: http://www.news.bbc.co.uk then:



3.
the types of reports
style of writing
headlines
humour
bias
exaggeration
adverts.
choose a news report
in your own words, summarise the report
write down what you think are the advantages and
disadvantages of using the internet to find out information
about the world.
Carry out a survey to find out how people use and rely on the
media. You should:






think of a topic
create questions to help you to find out about this topic
ask people these questions
record their answers
present your findings: this can be as a graph, pie chart or table
include conclusions on what you have found out.
How the media can influence decision makers
In a democracy people have the right to communicate with each other,
and should be allowed to do so without fear of being punished. This
means they have the right to report events and express their point of
view about these events. For example, in a democracy we have the right
to report about the results of an election and express our views on the
result without worrying about being arrested or punished. This right is
called freedom of speech.
80
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
The media rely on the right to freedom of speech to carry out their role
in a democratic society. Freedom of speech also gives the media power
and influence.
People in Scotland use the media everyday to gain information.
Providing information to people gives power to the media. Although the
media provide information, they do not report on everything that is
taking place in the world at a particular time. The media make decisions
about what they believe is important and then report it. Some would
argue this means people in society only know what the media decides to
tell them. This means the media discuss the important events that have
taken place in the world. They then decide what to include in their
newspaper or news broadcast. Sometimes many important events take
place at the same time. The media then has to decide which events to
report and which to miss out. At other times, few major news events
happen and less serious events make it on to the news.
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Complete this statement: The media rely on the right to
f__________ of s_________ to report important events.
2.
‘The media report everything that is happening in the world.’
Explain why this statement is false.
Discussion point
Do you think the right to free speech is important?
Newspapers are run as businesses. They must sell copies to make
money. The news they report may be influenced by whether a story will
attract readers. If a newspaper only reported politics, it may not have
many readers. Fewer readers mean less money – newspapers that do not
make money go out of business.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
81
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Many newspapers are owned by a small group of individuals. The
Australian businessman Rupert Murdoch owns a media organisation
called News International. News International owns many newspapers
in the UK including the Sun, the News of the World and the Sunday
Times. It also controls Sky Television. This means that one organisation
controls much of the media in the UK.
Table 3 shows which companies own some of the UK’s biggest selling
newspapers.
Owner
Mirror Group
News International
Newspaper
Daily Mirror
The Independent
Daily Record
Sunday Mail
The Sun
The Times
Sunday Times
News of the World
Newsquest
The Herald
Sunday Herald
Evening Times
Barclay Brothers
The Scotsman
Scotland on Sunday
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
Why do newspapers need to sell many copies?
Enquiry skills
Using the information in Table 3, write down one conclusion you can
reach about the number of people who control the me dia in the UK.
82
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Table 3 shows that a handful of organisations control the majority of
the UK’s newspapers. This means that a few people have a lot of power.
Many believe that in a democracy it is important that power is not in
the hands of a few people.
It is important to ask: do the media affect the way we think?
Newspapers, as we know, can sometimes be biased. If a newspaper
takes sides then this may influence its readers. For example, most
newspapers support a particular political party. At electi on time
newspapers may be biased in the way they report political parties and
their policies. This may influence the way people vote. Newspapers
may also put pressure on political parties to change their policies. They
can do this by focusing their reports on a particular issue. If political
parties believe they may lose votes because of this issue, they may
change their policies to get better headlines.
Some people worry that newspapers have too much influence over
political parties. If a newspaper supports a political party during an
election and that political party wins, do they owe that newspaper
favours?
As you have learned many newspapers in the UK are owned by a few
powerful organisations. These organisations may hope that supporting a
political party helps them in the future. If the party they supported
becomes the government, they may expect them to make decisions that
will help their business.
Discussion Point
Do you think newspapers influence the way you think?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
83
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Activity
Read Sources B and C. Can you spot who they are bias in favour of?
Source B
The Blue News
The leader of the Blue Party today delivered an excellent speech. She outlined the
party’s policies. These policies should deliver success at the forthcoming election and
improve living conditions for everyone.
The leader of the Red Party is struggling to encourage voters to support his party. The
Red Party has run out of ideas to improve the lives of people in this country. It is
responsible for all the mistakes that have been made in this country during the past
ten years.
Source C
The Red News
Today, the Blue Party’s leader delivered a very poor speech. It is clear that her party’s
policies will not win the election and would destroy this country.
The Red Party is gaining more and more support from the voters. It has the best ideas
to improve the lives of millions of people in this country. It has done an excellent job
running this country during the past ten years.
Readers may choose to buy a newspaper because they share the same
views. However, some readers may not have made up their mind who
they will vote for at the election. If the newspaper they read constantly
reports good news stories about one party and bad news stories about
the others they may vote for the political party the newspaper is
supporting. During elections in Scotland, most newspapers take sides
by supporting a particular political party.
84
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Table 4 shows the support some political parties received from
newspapers at the 1999 Scottish Parliamentary elections.
Newspaper
Political Party
Scotsman
Labour
Scottish Daily Express
Labour
Daily Record
Labour
Scottish Sun
Labour
Daily Mail
Conservative
Herald
None
The table shows that the Labour Party gained the most support from
newspapers in Scotland. The Labour Party also went on to win this
election. Did the Labour Party win this election because it received the
most support from newspapers?
Although the media can influence voters, evidence also shows that a
variety of reasons influence who people vote for such as policies and
loyalty to a political party.
Activities
Enquiry skills
‘Many newspapers supported the Labour Party in 1999. Labour won the
1999 election because most newspapers supported them.’
Using the information in Table 4, give one reason to agree with and one
reason to disagree with this statement.
Knowledge and understanding
Name one newspaper owned by the each of the following companies:



Newsquest
News International
Mirror Group
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
85
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Extension
You are going to take part in a class debate.
The motion is: ‘This class believes newspapers should be allowed to
support political parties.’
One side will support the motion. The other will be against it. You will
have to research your arguments and decide who is going to speak for
your side.
Interview with a newspaper editor
1.
What is your job title?
Night Editor
2.
What do you do?
I work for a Scottish broadsheet. I lead a team who work during
the night. We gather news reports from journalists working for the
paper. We then decide which events and reports will make it into
the morning edition of the newspaper. This means we will include
some reports and drop others.
3.
How do you decide which reports are included and which ones
are not?
There are many ways. We have to decide which events are
important and which ones aren’t. If it is a slow news day we have
to go looking for stories. On slow news days events may get
reported that would not usually make it into the paper. Newspapers
also have to make money. If people don’t buy our newspaper then
the paper could go out of business. Readers buy newspapers
because they like what is in it. They know what to expect from our
paper – serious news from Britain and abroad and in-depth
features. An editor has to think about their readers.
4.
Do you think the media in Scotland is biased?
Most journalists try to report events as they happen. The job of a
journalist is to describe to readers what is happening in the world.
They should try to do this as accurately as possible. However,
everybody has their own point of view about what is going on in
the world. Sometimes journalists may let their own views come
86
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
across in their reports. Some newspapers also have a political
agenda. Journalists may be under pressure to follow that agenda.
Broadsheets try to report events accurately but they also try to
provide a balanced analysis. This means giving all points of view
an equal say.
5.
Do you think the media can influence decision makers?
I think politicians read newspapers, watch TV and use the internet
to get information. They probably use this information to help
them make decisions. However, I don’t think the media controls
the decisions they make. Politicians are influenced by many things
such as world events, advice from civil servants, the members of
their political party and constituents.
Activity
Read the interview with the newspaper editor above.
As a group you will now create your own edition of a newspaper. You
will need to:

agree on a name for your newspaper
gather reports of events that have taken place recently – you should
choose a mixture of Scottish, British and international events
 hold an editorial meeting – as a group you will agree on which
stories to include and give reasons for your decision
 create your newspaper. This will include writing your own reports of
the events you want to include. Remember to consider issues to do
with bias and exaggeration.

GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
87
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
How else can the media influence decisions being made in
Scotland?
Television is watched by millions of viewers every day. The reports
that TV news programmes decide to broadcast can influence viewers.
For example, many television news reports have recently been
highlighting the dangers of climate change. Reporting such issues may
raise awareness; viewers may decide to follow the advice of the
television company by increasing the amount of waste they recycle.
However, it is important that broadcasters give both sides in the debate
about climate change. If they do not, they can be accused of bias. If
television companies focus their attention on a single issue like climate
change they can also be accused of exaggeration. Some may also say
they are trying to influence viewers instead of reporting the news. Not
allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Source D
Climate change 'makes hurricanes'
The number of really big storms in the Atlantic Ocean is rising – and it may be
because of climate change.
Hurricanes over the ocean happen twice as often than they did 100 years ago,
according to some experts.
They say warmer seas and changes in where and how fast the wind blows – as a
result of climate change – have increased the number of hurricanes.
But other experts think the number of hurricanes goes up and down over time, and at
the moment they're on the rise.
They think the number of recorded hurricanes is higher than it used to be because
technology makes it easier to spot them.
The people behind the report say that isn't the case, claiming the number of
hurricanes each year has been steadily rising in the last century.
Experts say that 2007 will be a very active season with nine hurricanes forecast, of
which five are expected to be intense.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_6920000/newsid_6922700/6922763.stm
© BBC News website
88
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Television and newspapers can also influence decision makers.
Reporting particular issues may raise awareness of these issues with
decision makers such as politicians. Decision makers may then decide
to try to change laws to deal with this issue.
An example of politicians being influenced by events reported in the
media was the death of two year-old Andrew Morton (shot by an air
gun) in Glasgow. This led to politicians in Scotland seeking to change
the law to allow them to ban the use of air guns in Scotland.
While television and newspaper reports may influence decision makers
they may also exaggerate issues in the first place. Currently, there are
concerns in Scotland about the behaviour of young people. Many
television and newspaper reports focus on the anti -social behaviour of
young people such as under age drinking, gangs and knife crime. This
has led politicians to make a number of decisions to tackle this
behaviour. The Scottish Government is attempting to raise the price of
alcohol and Anti Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) are increasingly
being used to deal with young offenders. However, there are also
concerns that reporting about young people focuses too heavily on
negative behaviour. Sections of the media have attempted to deal with
this as the BBC report below shows.
Source E
Journalists 'treat kids unfairly'
A campaign is being launched on Tuesday to try to encourage the media to treat
young people better.
Research by Now magazine found that 71% of stories about young people are
negative and a third are about crime.
In a poll of 11 to 18 year-olds, two-thirds said that they didn't trust journalists to tell the
truth.
The magazine has drawn up a draft code for journalists to refer to in an attempt to
change the way that children are portrayed by the press.
Magazine editor Steve Barrett said: ‘The majority of young people are law-abiding.’
He condemned ‘wall-to-wall coverage of teenage gangs and violence’, saying: ‘The
majority of young people are just getting on with growing up.’
The campaign is being launched with a special reception in Westminster with the
backing of Education Secretary Charles Clarke.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/uk/newsid_3735000/3735470.stm
© BBC News website
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
89
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
If the media is influencing people, it is likely that decision makers such
as MSPs and MPs will pay attention. People in Scotland who are over
the age of 18 can vote at elections. Politicians need to gain as many
votes as possible.
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
In what ways can television influence its viewers?
2.
Why might television sometimes be accused of bias when
reporting certain issues?
3.
In what ways can the media influence decision makers?
Enquiry skills
1.
Read the news report in Source D. Describe why this report could
be accused of bias.
2.
Read the news report in Source E. Explain why the media can be
accused of exaggerating the anti social behaviour of young people
in the UK
Extension
Gather news reports about young people. Decide if the news report is
positive or negative. Give reasons for your conclusions.
Scotland shares media with the whole of the UK; for example, British
newspapers, such as the Guardian and Independent, and television
companies like the BBC and ITV. We share television broadcasts such
as the ‘Six o’clock News’ and ‘Question Time’ with the rest of the UK.
However, Scotland also has its own media.
90
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
As well as being able to watch the ‘Six o’clock News’, viewers in
Scotland can also watch ‘Reporting Scotland’. For many years the most
popular paper in Scotland was the Daily Record, a Scottish newspaper.
Today, most UK newspapers have a Scottish version. An example of
this would be the Scottish Sun.
It is important for Scotland to have its own media. This allows Scottish
issues to be dealt with in more detail. For example, S cottish sport is
rarely dealt with in the UK media. Scottish broadcasts and newspapers
can choose to focus on the weekend Scottish football results.
The Scottish Parliament has also shown why a Scottish media is very
important. Like Scottish sport, Scottish politics rarely receives much
attention from the national media. Scottish newspapers and broadcasts
can devote many pages and minutes to Scottish political matters.
Newspapers such as the Sunday Herald have journalists that report from
the Scottish Parliament. BBC Scotland can choose to provide live
coverage from the Scottish Parliament. All of this gives the people of
Scotland a greater understanding of what is happening in the Scottish
Parliament. It allows the people of Scotland to draw conclusions on the
work of MSPs and the First Minister.
The media in Scotland has an increasing amount of power and
influence. The media can use their power and influence to put pressure
on decision makers. In 2005, David McLetchie was forced to resign as
leader of the Scottish Conservative Party. He had been accused by
sections of the media of claiming too much money in expenses.
Scotland has a Freedom of Information law that allows individuals
access to important documents including MSP expenses.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
91
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Source F
McLetchie resigns as Tory leader
Scottish Conservative leader David McLetchie has resigned.
The MSP spent £11,500 on travel expenses. This was more than any other MSP.
Mr McLetchie said none of his travel claims were fraudulent.
Mr McLetchie said he was standing down because recent media coverage had been
damaging.
Pressure had mounted on Mr McLetchie after the Scottish Parliament published full
details of his travel expenses. This followed a request from a journalist under the
freedom of information act.
The information showed details of taxi claims. Mr McLetchie had been taking regular
taxi trips from the Scottish Parliament to the Edinburgh legal firm he worked for at the
time.
Paul Hutcheon, of the Sunday Herald, is the journalist who put in the Freedom of
Information enquiry that began the affair.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/4393622.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Enquiry skills
Use information in Table 5 to draw conclusions about:

newspapers in Scotland
 television broadcasts in Scotland.
Table 5
Newspaper (n) / broadcast (b)
Evening Times (n)
Herald (n)
Guardian (n)
Telegraph (n)
Channel Four News (b)
Six O’clock News (b)
Reporting Scotland (b)
Scotland Today (b)
Scotsman (n)
Newsnight Scotland (b)
92
Nationality
Scottish
Scottish
British
British
British
British
Scottish
Scottish
Scottish
Scottish
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Knowledge and understanding
1.
Using in the information in Source F describe, in detai l, the role
the media played in Mr McLetchie’s resignation.
2.
Give two reasons why Scotland needs its own media.
3.
In what ways can the Scottish media influence MSPs?
The influence of the internet is increasing. More and more people have
access to the internet. The internet can be used by people who want to
influence the decisions of politicians. There are many ways the internet
can be influential.








If people are unhappy about a government decision they can set up
websites and blogs to attract attention to their concerns.
People can leave comments on social websites.
People can organise campaigns and protests. Most pressure groups
have websites where members and supporters can get up-to-date
information.
Events that are not being widely reported on the r adio or television
or in newspapers can be accessed through the internet. For example,
many people are concerned about the events taking place in the
African country of Sudan. These events are not regularly reported in
Scotland. People in Scotland can use the internet to gather up-to-date
information.
During elections, voters can use the internet to find out more about
particular political parties and their policies. All of the major
political parties in Scotland have websites. Many websites, including
government sites, contain important information, such as statistics
about child poverty in Scotland.
In Scotland people can use the internet to petition the Scottish
Parliament on an issue they feel strongly about. These are called e petitions.
There is little control of the media. This gives people the opportunity
to use their freedom of speech.
Information can be updated rapidly.
There are disadvantages to using the internet. Information is not always
reliable and the internet has very few controls. Therefore, the internet
should be treated responsibly.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
93
THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
Draw a spider diagram showing how the internet can influence people.
Enquiry skills
‘The internet does not influence politicians. It is full of inaccurate
information.’
The view of Janice Templeton.
‘The information on the internet is very useful. It helps to put lots of
pressure on politicians.’
The view of Rowan Burrows.
Write down two differences between these statements.
Extension
Use the internet to find out about the following:


how to set up a blog
the Scottish pressure group ‘Independence First’
how Scotland is helping the people of Sudan
a Scottish political party (for example, Scottish Labour, Scottish
Conservatives, Scottish Greens, SNP, Scottish Liberal Democrats)
how to set up an e-petition to the Scottish Parliament.
94
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)



© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Section 10: Pressure groups in Scotland
You will learn:






what pressure groups are
about different types of pressure groups
membership of pressure groups
methods used by pressure groups to achieve their aims
how effective the methods used by pressure groups are
about a Scottish pressure group by carrying out an investigation
What are pressure groups?
Pressure groups are organisations that attempt to put pressure on
decision makers. In other words, they attempt to influence decision
makers. Members of pressure groups share similar views and interests
on certain issues.
Pressure groups can put pressure on decision makers to change laws.
However, some pressure groups may campaign to keep certain laws.
Pressure groups use a variety of methods to achieve their aims.
Some pressure groups are small with only a few local members while
some are large organisations with many members. Large pressure
groups may have members throughout the world.
The aims of pressure groups may also be different. Some want to
protect the interests of their member. Others want to protest about an
issue.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
95
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Activity
Complete these paragraphs by filling in the blanks.
Pressure groups attempt to influence d_____________ m___________.
Members of pressure groups share similar v________ on certain issues.
Some pressure groups want c_________; others want things to remain
the same. Pressure groups use a variety of m____________ to achieve
their aims.
Some pressure groups are s___________. However, some
p___________ g_____________ are large organisations with many
members.
A pressure group can campaign about i__________ while others
represent the interests of their m___________.
Discussion point
Do you think the right to protest is important?
Different types of pressure groups
In a democracy people have the right to vote. This allows voters to have
a say on the performance of the government as well, as the policies of
the other political parties. However, elections only happen every few
years.
It is important that citizens in a democracy have the opportunity to put
their views across between elections. We have already learned that in a
democracy the media can influence decision makers. What about th e
right of individual citizens to put pressure on decision makers?
In a democracy citizens have the right to protest. This gives us the right
to put pressure on decision makers such as the government, local
authorities and large companies. If we are unhappy with the actions of
96
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
these decision makers we have the right to put our views across and
challenge their decisions.
People in Scotland may be unhappy about a number of decisions that
have been made. They have the right to campaign to change these
decisions. Your campaign is more likely to be successful if you have
other people supporting you.
Table 1 shows some decisions that have been taken that some Scottish
people may not be happy with.
Decision
To go to war in
Iraq
To ban fox
hunting in
Scotland
To increase the
level of council
tax
Build a new
supermarket in
town
Decision maker
Why people are unhappy with
this decision
UK Government
Some people disagree with war.
Others believe there was no
need to go to war with Iraq and
that the war has made the
situation in Iraq worse.
Scottish
Parliament
People who participate in fox
hunts argue this is an attack on
their way of life. Many farmers
see foxes as pests who attack
and kill many of their livestock,
such as chickens.
Local authorities
Some people believe that
council tax is unfair. They
believe they pay too much
council tax and don’t receive
good enough services from the
council.
Private
company/local
authority
The supermarket might take
business away from local
shops. If local shops close,
local people will be left with
less choice about where to
shop.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
97
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Activity
Use the internet to find a pressure group in Scotland that is
campaigning about one of the issues in the table.

Write down the name of the pressure group.
 Find out what their aims are.
There are two main types of pressure group: promotional pressure
groups and sectional pressure groups.
Promotional pressure groups are concerned about particular issues.
They are also known as causal pressure groups. Members of
promotional pressure groups share similar views. Examples of
promotional pressure groups include: CND, Shelter and Help the Aged.
Sectional pressure groups are concerned about the interests of a
particular section of society. This type of pressure groups usually
represents the interests of its members. Sectional pressure groups are
sometimes called interest pressure groups. Examples of sectional
pressure groups are trade unions, such as UNISON, EIS (Educational
Institute of Scotland) and FBU (the Fire Brigades Union), and
organisations, such as the CBI (the Confederation of British Industry).
Table 2
98
Promotional
Sectional
CND
UNISON
Shelter
EIS
Help the Aged
FBU
Greenpeace
CBI
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Why is it important that people living in a democracy have the
right to protest?
Describe what a promotional pressure group is.
What is another name for a promotional pressure group?
Describe what a sectional pressure group is.
What is another name for a sectional pressure group?
Give one example of a promotional pressure group and one
example of a sectional pressure group.
Extension
Choose one promotional and one sectional pressure group. Use the
internet to find out at least five facts about each one. Explain your
findings to the rest of the class.
Membership of pressure groups
People join pressure groups because they share similar concerns or
interests.
Promotional pressure group members
Members of promotional pressure groups share similar concerns about
issues and events in society. These concerns may be local issues, such
as the building of a supermarket in their community. It is likely the
members of such a pressure group will live in the local community. The
number of members they have may be small compared with national
pressure groups. An example of a local promotional interest group in
Scotland is STOP (Stop Tesco Owning Partick).
Larger promotional interest groups may have members throughout the
country or the world. Its members will have similar views about
particular issues. Greenpeace is an example of a large promotional
pressure group. Greenpeace has 2.3.million members and supporters
throughout the world. Its members share concerns about environmental
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
99
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
issues, such as climate change and pollution. Greenpeace holds
meetings and campaigns throughout Scotland.
Sectional pressure group members
People join sectional pressure groups because they have common
interests. The interests they share could be the jobs they are employed
in or the businesses they own. Many workers in Scotland are members
of sectional pressure groups called trade unions. Trade unions represent
the interests of their members. These interests include working
conditions and levels of pay. Trade unions tend be organised around
particular types of employment. For example, many teachers are
members of a teaching trade union, while fire-fighters are members of
the fire-fighters trade union. Trade unions can have a large numbers of
members. UNISON, which represents public sector workers, has more
than 1 million members in the UK
Employers also share interests. For example, all businesses need to
make profits. Employers can work together to put pressure on the
government to make decisions that help businesses. An example of a
powerful sectional pressure group whose members are business owners
is the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).
Influence and support
Usually, the more members a pressure group has the more power and
influence it will have. However, some smaller pressure groups can also
have a lot of influence, for example if the majority of the local
community gives the pressure group support. If the members of a small
pressure group are important individuals it may also gain a lot of power
and influence.
Members provide an income for pressure groups. Members usua lly pay
a membership fee or make financial contributions. This money can be
used to organise campaigns. Members can also volunteer their time and
skills to support the aims of the pressure group.
100
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
In your own words describe why people join:


2.
3.
promotional pressure groups
sectional pressure groups
Give one reason why it is important for pressure groups to have a
large number of members.
Why might some smaller pressure groups have a lot of power and
influence?
Extension
Design a poster to attract members for either a promotional or sectional
pressure group.
Choose one pressure group you have learned about in this section. You
can find out more about them by using the internet.
Make sure you know whether the pressure group you have chose n is
either a sectional or promotional pressure group.
Design and complete a poster to attract more members to this pressure
group.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
101
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Methods used by pressure groups to achieve their aims
You have learned that there are different types of pressure grou ps. Each
pressure group also has a different set of aims: they want to achieve
different things.
Look at Table 3 to find the aims of some pressure groups in Scotland.
Table 3: Pressure groups and their aims
Pressure group
Aims
UNISON
Represent its members.
Protect the working conditions of its members.
Help the Aged
Improve living conditions for the elderly.
Raise awareness of issues affecting the elderly.
Shelter
Support the homeless.
Raise awareness of issues affecting the homeless.
Scottish CND
Want to get rid of nuclear weapons.
Promote peace.
Pressure groups use a variety of methods to achieve their aims.
Basically, pressure groups want to get their message across to as many
people as possible. They also want their message to reach decision
makers. They hope decision makers will then take action to support
their aims.
Activity
What are the aims of the following pressure groups?


102
Scottish CND
Help the Aged
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
You have learned that pressure groups have the right to protest. This
means they can hold demonstrations, use the media, organise petitions,
hand out leaflets and contact political representatives such as MSPs,
MPs and councillors.
Table 4 shows in detail the methods used by pressure groups to achieve
their aims.
Method
Actions
Demonstrate
Pressure groups can choose to march through
the streets holding signs and banners
publicising their aims.
Media
Demonstrations can attract attention from
television and newspapers. Pressure groups
may hold media conferences to draw attention
to their aims. Many pressure groups use the
internet to publicise their cause. They can
also use television adverts.
Petitions
Pressure groups organise petitions. They gain
as many signatures as possible to support
their cause. They pass the completed petition
onto the relevant decision makers.
Leaflets and posters
Contact representatives
Public meetings
Handing out leaflets and putting up posters
can attract attention. Pressure groups can also
put important information in the leaflets and
posters.
The representative can speak on behalf of the
pressure group and offer support. The
representative may also be able to influence
decision makers. They could also attempt to
introduce laws which support the aims of the
pressure group.
Attempt to get as many people as possible to
attend meetings publicising the aims of the
pressure group. Pressure groups can invite
influential people to speak in support of their
cause at the meeting.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
103
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Activity
Write down the advantages and disadvantages of using each of the
methods listed in Table 4.
Source A
Locals fight to save post office
Residents in Falkirk have launched a campaign to save their local post office.
Churchills in Thornhill Road is among 2,500 Post Office branches identified for
closure.
Customers who use the branch are being urged to attend a public meeting on
Thursday night to fight the closure.
The UK Government supports plans to close Post Office branches.
As many as 26 Post Office branches could close in Falkirk.
A Post Office worker said the closures would be a real blow to the local community.
She said more than 600 signatures had been collected to protest against the closures
and local people were contacting politicians with their concerns.
She said: ‘People feel very strongly about this. If they come along to the public
meeting tonight they can air their views.’
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7050839.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Enquiry skills
Using the information in Source A, write a conclusion on what people
can do to protest about decisions they are unhappy with.
With the right to protest comes responsibility. Pressure groups must
take action within the law. In other words they can protest but can’t
break the law when they protest. However, some pressure groups do
break the law to achieve their aims. This is called direct action.
Pressure groups use this method because they believe it gains more
attention.
104
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Source B
Police warning over taxi action
Police in Dundee have issued a warning to taxi drivers over threats to bring the
city to a standstill.
Taxi operators have voted to set up road blocks at busy times.
The taxi companies are unhappy about council decisions which affect them including
space at taxi ranks.
Police said they would use the full force of the law to deal with any disruption to roads.
A list of what the cab drivers are unhappy about has been given to Dundee City
Council.
The local authority said it was willing to discuss any of the taxi drivers’ issues.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/tayside_and_central/7037394.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Knowledge and understanding
1.
2.
What does the term direct action mean?
Why do you think protesters have responsibilities as well as
rights?
Enquiry skills
‘Protesters have rights as well as responsibilities.’
Using Source B, give a reason to agree with this statement.
Discussion point
Do you agree with using direct action as method for protesting?
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
105
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Extension
The local health board has decided to close your local hospital. This
may affect the healthcare services people in your community receive.
Some local people are also worried they will lose their jobs. Many
people in your community are very unhappy about this decision.
You want to change this decision. How can you do this?
Your task is to organise a pressure group. This will involve:

deciding on a name
designing a logo and badge
 deciding on the aims of your pressure group – what do you want to
achieve?
 agreeing on the methods your pressure group will use to achieve the
aims
 carrying out your protest.

How effective are pressure groups?
All pressure groups have aims. However, not all pressure groups
achieve their aims. Does this mean they have been unsuccessful?
Some pressure groups are very successful at influencing decision
makers. Trade unions have gained many improvements for their
members. Working conditions in Scotland have improved remarkably in
the past 100 years. Many of these improvements have been gained
through the actions of trade unions. Trade unions have successfully
influenced the actions of decision makers such as the government. For
example, many workers benefited from the introduction of the minimum
wage. This ensures that the wages of all workers in the UK do not fall
below a certain level. Trade unions campaigned for many years for the
introduction of a minimum wage.
Small pressure groups can also have success in changing the actions of
decision makers. Local groups can change decisions that affect their
communities.
106
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Source C
Maternity campaigners to bow out
A group that successfully campaigned against the downgrading of the maternity
service at a Highland hospital is to be wound up.
The North Action Group (NAG) was launched in 2003 after some services at
Caithness General in Wick were withdrawn.
However, the group's protests helped force NHS Highland into a u-turn.
The 11-bed unit will now be has run by a full-time service.
NAG's campaign drew support from local politicians, businessmen and councillors.
Following its success in Caithness, the group gave its backing to protests in west
Wales over similar changes to services.
Adapted from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/5097694.stm
© BBC News website
Activities
Enquiry skills
Using the information in Source C, make one conclusion about this
campaign.
Some pressure groups have been campaigning for many years and have
yet to achieve their main aims. Does this mean they have been
unsuccessful?
The aim of Scottish CND is to free the world of nuclear weapons. It
also wants to see the removal of nuclear weapons from Faslane
Submarine Base near Helensburgh. As nuclear weapons still exist and
Faslane Submarine Base remains open, does this mean Scottish CND
has been unsuccessful? Scottish CND has not achieved its main aim,
but it does have many members and is part of CND, which has members
and supporters throughout the world. Scottish CND would also argue
that it has raised awareness of the dangers of nuclear weapons. In 2007,
the Scottish Government has also pledged to support Scottish CND’s
call for the removal of Trident nuclear missiles from Faslane.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
107
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
Do you think Scottish CND is a successful pressure group? Give
reasons for your conclusion.
Some pressure groups are unsuccessful. This can be for a number of
reasons. The pressure group’s aims may be unpopular, which makes it
difficult to attract members and supporters. Without members and
supporters, it is very difficult to organise an effective campaign. As a
result, the pressure group may also face financial difficulties. Some
pressure groups may choose the wrong methods to use in their
campaign. For example, relying on direct action may lose support from
certain sections of society. Some pressure groups may also find it
difficult to gain the media attention they require. Others f ind it difficult
to recruit influential supporters to their campaign.
Activity
Knowledge and understanding
Draw a spider diagram showing reasons why some pressure groups are
not successful.
Successful campaigns are not always popular. A pressure grou p may
achieve a result that the majority of people in society or a community
are unhappy with. Is that democratic?
108
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
Source D
Smell protest halts factory plan
A Chinese food company has pulled out of a planned project in Aberdeenshire
after local concerns.
Businessman Anson Lee wanted to build a factory making oriental meals near
Peterhead, creating more than 100 jobs.
However, some people in the village of Stirling complained about potential smells,
noise and traffic problems.
Councillor for Boddam and Inverugie, Sam Coull, said it was sad news.
Mr Coull told BBC Scotland: ‘I am absolutely gutted.’
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/scotland/north_east/5346192.stm
© BBC News website
Discussion point
Do you agree with the protesters in Source D?
Extension
You are going to take part in a class debate. The motion in this debate
is: ‘This class believes pressure groups are a waste of time.’
One side will support the motion. The other will be against it. You will
have to research your arguments and decide who is going to speak for
which side.
Investigation of a Scottish pressure group
There are many pressure groups in Scotland. They all have their own
aims and methods. Some have enjoyed major successes while others
have yet to achieve their aims. Many may never gain what they are
fighting for.
Your task is to complete an investigation into a Scottish pressure group.
In your investigation you will attempt to evaluate the effectiveness of
this pressure group. In other words, you will draw conclusions on how
successful you believe this pressure group has been.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
109
PRESSURE GROUPS IN SCOTLAND
You should:






110
decide on a Scottish pressure group you want to investigate
give your investigation a title
decide on the aims of your investigation and the investigative
methods you will use to complete your investigation
ask yourself investigative questions which will help you to complete
your investigation
carry out your investigation
write up the findings of your investigation. This should be as a report
and include:
– a title page
– contents page
– sections for each investigative question
– a conclusion
– bibliography.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
COURSE CONFERENCE
Course conference
During this unit you have learned about:





The Scottish Parliament
The role of the Scottish Government
Local Government in Scotland
The role of the media in Scotland
The role of pressure groups in Scotland
You will now participate in an end of unit course conference. This will
involve you working in pairs or groups and presenting what you have
learned about a particular section of this course.
The set up
You are experts in one of the areas of this course: the Scottish
Parliament, the Scottish Government, Scottish Local Government, the
media in Scotland or pressure groups in Scotland.
The play
You will deliver a presentation. This will show your expert knowledge
of a specific area of this course. You will do this by creating a
presentation on your specialist topic and delivering it to an audience of
your classmates. After your presentation, the audience will have the
opportunity to put you in the hot seat to test your expert knowledge.
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
111
GLOSSARY
Glossary
Accountable
to be held responsible for decisions that
have been taken
Amendment
changes made to a proposal or decision
Act of Union
the treaty that joined Scotland with England
and Wales to form the UK
Bias
giving one particular point of view
Bill
a draft law
Cabinet
government ministers with specific areas of
responsibility
Chief Executive
the highest position among council officials
Coalition
a government made up of more than one
political party
Committee
a group of representatives that looks into
issues in great detail
Consultation
discuss and research an important issue
before making a decision
Councillors
representatives elected at local level
Council Officials
paid employees of the local council –
involved in the running of the local council
Devolution
when some powers are given by a
government to others
112
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
GLOSSARY
Devolved powers
the areas in which the Scottish Parliament
makes decisions
Direct action
breaking the law to achieve your aims
Electorate
people who are allowed to vote
Exaggeration
stretching the truth
Government
a group of people that runs a country
Key services
services that all people need, such as
housing and education
Local Government
makes decisions and provides services at
local level.
Media
methods of mass communication
Ministers
individual members of government
responsible for taking decisions in a specific
area, for example, healthcare
Minority government
when the government has less MSPs than the
total number of opposition MSPs
MSP
an elected member of the Scottish
Parliament
Partnership Agreement
the agreement made between the parties that
form a coalition government
Policies
what political parties plan to do if elected
Pressure group
an organisation that puts pressure on
decision makers
Referendum
when the electorate are asked to vote on an
important issue.
Representation
act on behalf of others
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008
113
GLOSSARY
Reserved powers
the areas in which the UK Parliament makes
decisions
Reshuffle
when changes are made to the Cabinet
Scottish Executive
the name previously used for the Scottish
Government
Scottish Parliament
the body that makes many decisions in
Scotland
Scrutiny
looking at a document or the actions of
individuals/groups in great detail
UK Parliament
the body that makes decisions in the UK
United Kingdom (UK)
the nations of England, Northern Ireland,
Scotland and Wales together form one state,
the UK (Full title: The United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Wards:
the areas that make up a local authority
114
GOVERNMENT AND DECISION MAKING IN SCOTLAND (ACCESS 3, MODERN STUDIES)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2008