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Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Scotland

The UK Parliament in Westminster retains control over certain 'reserved' matters, while the Scottish Parliament has the authority to legislate on 'devolved' matters. Which of the following is a devolved power specifically managed by the Scottish Parliament?

  1. The police and the legal systemAnswer
  2. B
    Foreign policy and international development
  3. C
    The regulation of employment and trade unions
  4. D
    Control over currency and the Bank of England

Answer

The police and the legal system
The Scottish Parliament has the authority to make laws regarding the justice system, which includes the police, the courts, and legal procedures. This is a key devolved power that reflects Scotland's historical and distinct legal traditions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Differentiate between 'reserved' and 'devolved' powers in the UK constitutional framework.
Reserved powers are kept by the UK Parliament (Westminster), while devolved powers are transferred to the Scottish Parliament (Holyrood).
Understanding this distinction is essential for identifying which government body is responsible for specific policy areas.
2
Identify which policy areas affect only domestic life in Scotland and are thus likely to be devolved.
Areas like education, health, environment, and the justice system are identified as devolved.
Devolution is designed to allow local administrations to manage services that directly impact their specific populations.
3
Verify if the police and legal system are among the powers listed in the Official Life in the UK Handbook for Scotland.
Scotland is confirmed to have its own separate legal system and policing authority.
Confirming specific handbook facts ensures the answer matches the official assessment criteria.

Key Concept

The division of authority between Westminster and Holyrood

Practice More

Review the list of reserved powers in the Official Handbook to better distinguish them from the domestic matters handled by Holyrood.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Devolved Powers in Scotland

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