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Difficulty: HardThe 1990s: Good Friday Agreement and Devolution

Following the constitutional reforms of the late 1990s, new devolved administrations were established in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Which of the following features was unique to the Northern Ireland Assembly as a direct result of the 1998 Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement?

  1. The requirement for a power-sharing executive where unionist and nationalist parties must govern togetherAnswer
  2. B
    The legal authority to vary the basic rate of income tax by up to 33 pence in the pound
  3. C
    The status of being the only devolved body that did not require a public referendum for its establishment
  4. D
    The title of 'Parliament' and the ability to pass primary legislation from its very first day of operation

Answer

The unique feature of the Northern Ireland Assembly was the requirement for a power-sharing executive involving both unionist and nationalist representatives.
The Northern Ireland Assembly, created following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, is unique because it operates under a power-sharing mandate. This means that the government (the Executive) must include representatives from both the unionist and nationalist communities to ensure inclusive governance and maintain peace.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the three devolved bodies created in the late 1990s
The Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly for Wales, and the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Understanding the context of the 1997-1999 constitutional reforms.
2
Differentiate the powers and structures of these bodies
Scotland became a Parliament with tax-varying powers; Wales became an Assembly with executive powers; Northern Ireland became an Assembly based on the Good Friday Agreement.
Identifying the 'asymmetric' nature of UK devolution.
3
Focus on the specific requirements of the 1998 Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement
The agreement necessitated a 'cross-community' support system and a power-sharing executive.
This ensures the peace process remains stable by involving both sides of the community in governance.

Key Concept

Power-sharing and the unique structure of the Northern Ireland Assembly
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Topics

The 1990s: Good Friday Agreement and Devolution

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