Question

Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Northern Ireland

A new proposal suggests changing the rules for local farming and the protection of the countryside within Northern Ireland. Which legislative body, based at Stormont, has the power to pass laws on these matters?

  1. The Northern Ireland AssemblyAnswer
  2. B
    The UK Parliament
  3. C
    The Scottish Parliament
  4. D
    The Home Office

Answer

The Northern Ireland Assembly is the body responsible for passing laws on transferred matters such as local farming and the environment.
The correct answer is the Northern Ireland Assembly because it has the specific authority to legislate on 'transferred matters.' These matters include local issues that directly affect the daily lives of people in Northern Ireland, such as agriculture, education, health, and environmental protection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the nature of the policy area
Local farming and countryside protection are categorized as 'transferred matters' in the UK's system of devolution.
This determines which government level has the authority to legislate.
2
Identify the relevant legislative body for Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Assembly, which meets at Stormont in Belfast, is the legislature for transferred matters.
The 1998 Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement established this devolved power-sharing institution.

Key Concept

The division of legislative power between the UK Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly (Transferred vs. Excepted/Reserved matters).
Estimated Time:45s
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