Chapter 8 Self-test questions

Devolution in the United Kingdom is symmetrical.

True

False

Devolution took place in Northern Ireland within a unique context, leading to a very particular settlement. Which of the following are unique features of that settlement? Select all that apply.

The Northern Ireland Act features a mechanism by which Northern Ireland can leave the United Kingdom following a referendum.

The Northern Ireland Act has yet to come into force.

Northern Ireland legislature cannot pass laws which relate to certain reserved matters.

The Northern Ireland Act was passed in the aftermath of recent and violent political struggle.

The devolved institutions in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each enjoyed general legislative competence (but for reserved matters) from their inception in 1998.

True

False

The electoral processes in place within England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are not uniform. Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply.

Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly are elected via a system implementing First Past the Post (FPTP).

Members of the House of Commons are elected via a system implementing First Past the Post (FPTP).

Members of the Scottish Parliament are elected using the 'additional member system' method.

Members of the Welsh Assembly are elected using the 'additional member system' method.

The West Lothian question refers to the fact that English MPs vote on devolved matters in Scotland and Scottish MSPs cannot vote on matters affecting England.

True

False

Which of the following is a feature of the 'English votes for English laws' procedure (EVEL)?

Bills or provisions relating to England only can be passed where a majority of all MPs representing English constituencies approve of the bill, even if an overall majority of MPs do not.

Bills or provisions relating to England only must receive the support of a majority of all MPs and a majority of all MPs representing English constituencies.

Bills or provisions relating to England only must be approved by the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.

Scottish MPs cannot vote on a Bill or provision that relates to England only.

What are the three major factors that contribute to the value of local government according to the Widdicombe Committee?

Pluralism

Participation

Responsiveness

Efficiency

The devolved institutions in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have more power and authority than local government institutions.

True

False

As a matter of law, Westminster can act to reign in or even abolish the devolved institutions.

True

False

Westminster does not normally interfere directly in the affairs of the devolved legislatures. What prevents it from doing so?

The provisions of the devolution statutes expressly prohibit this.

The European Convention on Human Rights expressly prevents this.

Constitutional convention provides that the UK Parliament will not normally legislate in relation to devolved matters.

There is no reason as to why it would not do this.

Some have predicted that, in the future, there will be louder and more frequent calls for Scotland to leave the United Kingdom. Why might this be the case? Select all that apply.

The Scottish National Party (SNP), staunch advocates of Scottish independence, hold a significant majority of seats across Scotland.

MPs elected to Westminster have refused to take their seats in Parliament, resulting in a constitutional crisis.

The most salient political issue of the day, Britain's departure from the European Union ('Brexit') did not receive support in much of Scotland, furthering feelings of distance and disenfranchisement.

Scotland voted to leave the United Kingdom via referendum.

Quiz Content