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Question

Difficulty: EasyThe Concept of Devolution and Reserved Powers

Under the UK's system of government, the UK Parliament in London continues to make decisions on specific matters that affect the entire country, even though other powers have been transferred to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Which term is used to describe these policy areas that are kept at Westminster?

  1. Reserved powersAnswer
  2. B
    Devolved powers
  3. C
    Constitutional conventions
  4. D
    Royal prerogatives

Answer

The term for policy areas kept by the UK Parliament is 'Reserved powers'.
The term 'reserved powers' is used in the UK's devolution settlements to identify matters—such as defense, foreign policy, and immigration—where the UK Parliament in Westminster retains the exclusive right to legislate for the whole of the United Kingdom.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the context of the question.
The question is about the UK's devolution system and the division of authority.
Understanding that power is split between the central UK government and individual nations is key.
2
Distinguish between the two types of power in devolution.
Powers given to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are 'devolved'; powers kept by Westminster are 'reserved'.
This distinction is a fundamental part of how the UK's constitutional arrangements work.
3
Select the term that matches 'kept at Westminster'.
Reserved powers.
The term 'reserved' implies they are held back or kept for the central authority.

Key Concept

The distinction between devolved powers (transferred) and reserved powers (retained by Westminster).
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

The Concept of Devolution and Reserved Powers