In the late 1990s, the UK government used public referendums to confirm support for major constitutional changes regarding devolution and the peace process. Which of the following statements accurately describes the timeline and scope of these referendums?
- In 1997, referendums were held in Scotland and Wales to approve their new devolved bodies, and in 1998, simultaneous referendums were held in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to approve the Good Friday Agreement.Answer
- BIn 1997, a referendum was held in Wales to grant the National Assembly the power to vary income tax, while Scotland voted in 1998 to establish a Parliament with only administrative functions.
- CA single referendum was held in 1997 for all UK citizens to approve the principle of devolution, followed by a separate referendum in 1998 exclusively for the people of Northern Ireland.
- DReferendums for Scotland and Wales were held in 1998 on the same day as the first elections, while the Northern Ireland Assembly was established by the Good Friday Agreement without a requirement for a public vote.
Answer
In 1997, referendums were held in Scotland and Wales to approve their new devolved bodies, and in 1998, simultaneous referendums were held in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to approve the Good Friday Agreement.
The process of devolution in the late 1990s was achieved through a series of specific public votes. In 1997, referendums were held in Scotland and Wales to approve the creation of the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales. In 1998, following the signing of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, simultaneous referendums were held in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to ratify the peace agreement and the new institutional arrangements.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The chronological and geographic scope of the 1990s devolution referendums.
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