What is devolution?
The transfer of powers from Westminster to regional government
In 1979 the first devolution referendum was held, what did Scotland and Wales vote?
No to having their own devolved assemblies
What happened in 1997/1998 under Blair?
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland voted yes to having devolved assemblies
What did the Scotland act of 1998 do?
created the Scottish Parliament (primary law-making powers).
What did the government of Wales act 1998 do?
created the Welsh Assembly (limited powers initially).
What did the northern Ireland act of 1998 do?
created the Northern Ireland Assembly as part of the Good Friday Agreement.
What was the Scotland act of 2016?
Scotland gains powers over tax, welfare, and more
What are devolved powers?
Health, education, transport, environment, local government.
What are reserved powers?
Defence, foreign affairs, immigration, constitution.
How old is devolution differ from federalism?
UK devolution gives regions limited, granted powers - it’s asymmetric and reversible
US federalism divides power between the federal and state governments - it’s entrenched and constitutional.
What was the Good Friday Agreement?
A major peace agreement signed in 1998 to end The Troubles — a 30-year conflict in Northern Ireland involving nationalists (mostly Catholic) and unionists (mostly Protestant).
What were the main aims of the Good Friday Agreement?
End political violence
-Create a power-sharing government
-Recognise both British and Irish identities
-Define Northern Ireland’s constitutional status based on consent
What did the Good Friday Agreement establish politically?
A Northern Ireland Assembly with devolved powers
-Power-sharing Executive: both unionists and nationalists must govern together
