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Difficulty: MediumThe 1990s: Good Friday Agreement and Devolution

Following the referendums held in 1997, devolved administrations were established in Scotland and Wales in 1999. Which of the following describes a power granted to the Scottish Parliament at its creation that was NOT initially granted to the Welsh Assembly?

  1. The power to pass primary legislation and vary the rate of income taxAnswer
  2. B
    The requirement for a mandatory power-sharing executive between unionist and nationalist parties
  3. C
    The authority to manage executive functions only, while the power to pass primary legislation was reserved for Wales
  4. D
    The power to control national defense, immigration, and the negotiation of international treaties

Answer

The power to pass primary legislation and vary the rate of income tax was granted to the Scottish Parliament but not initially to the Welsh Assembly.
The correct answer accurately identifies that the Scottish Parliament was granted the power to pass primary legislation and vary the rate of income tax at its inception in 1999. This distinguished it from the Welsh Assembly, which initially had more limited powers focused on executive functions and secondary legislation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the specific powers of the Scottish Parliament established in 1999.
The Scotland Act 1998 allowed the Scottish Parliament to pass primary legislation (new laws) and vary income tax by up to 3 pence.
Understanding the extent of Scottish devolution is key to distinguishing it from other regions.
2
Contrast these with the initial powers of the Welsh Assembly.
The Welsh Assembly initially had executive powers and could only pass secondary legislation (rules on how laws are implemented).
This highlights the 'asymmetric' nature of UK devolution in the late 1990s.
3
Differentiate from the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
Northern Ireland's devolution was tied to the Good Friday Agreement (1998) and required power-sharing between communities.
This prevents confusing the different constitutional paths taken by the four nations.

Key Concept

Asymmetry of Devolution in 1999
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

The 1990s: Good Friday Agreement and Devolution

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