Self-test questions: Devolution

By Josie Welsh
. Which of the following statements best describes the term 'devolution' within the context of the United Kingdom's constitution?

. Which form of constitutional structure can devolution be said mirror?

. Dieter has recently gained Scottish citizenship and is now living in Edinburgh. He is walking round his new home city and finds himself in the Holyrood area of the city, standing in front of an impressive looking building. He asks someone what the building is and they tell him it is the home of the Scottish Parliament. Dieter is amazed because he did not realise Scotland had a Parliament since he had previously visited the Houses of Parliament in London and thought they made all the laws for the United Kingdom.

Which of the following statements would be a suitable response to Dieter, to explain the status and power of the Scottish Parliament?

. Janice Marked is an MP in Berkshire and has recently been canvassing support for a Bill she would like to introduce relating to carbon emissions. This is a Bill, if passed, would see changes to environmental practices within urban areas. In a conversation with Kirsty Donaghue, a Member of the Scottish Parliament, it is suggested that Janice may need to consider the Sewel Convention if she wishes to pursue the Bill.

Which constitutional practice is Kirsty referring to here?

. Tom is a Welsh citizen and works as a journalist for a media company based in Cardiff. He is asked to run a television interview with the First Minister, discussing the nature and scope of devolution to Wales from Westminster. His first question is, 'First Minister, how would you sum up the speed and scope of devolution to Wales compared to Scotland and Northern Ireland?'

Which of the following does the First Minister reply?

. The process of devolution to Northern Ireland has been disrupted at points since 1998 but provision was made under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 for a legislative assembly and government. This followed the peace process and the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

At present, how does the process of governing in Northern Ireland work?

. Devolution has seen the establishment of national legislatures across the United Kingdom.

Which of the following does not have its own national legislature?

. There has been a change to how local government works in the United Kingdom, seeing the introduction of local mayors in certain areas. Jimmy is doing a pub quiz with his friends in a pub in Bermondsey, London and they are asked the following question: 'Who was the first London mayor in 2000?').

Which of the following individuals was the first London Mayor?

. During the coronavirus pandemic, Marcus has been watching a lot of news and is hearing about the difficulties facing some members of his community in Greater Manchester. He decides he wishes to take action of some kind and begins to volunteer at a local food bank. Marcus thinks there is more that can be done locally to support those in need. He is told to speak to the Mayoral Combined Authority but Marcus is not sure who the leader of this Authority is.

Which office leads the Mayoral Combined Authority in Greater Manchester?

. Barbara wishes to become a member of her local council and begins preparing for the council elections due to take place next year. She begins by meeting local residents in her area and asking them how they feel about the local council and any particular issues they hope may be addressed.

What is the benefit of having local government working alongside central government?

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