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Difficulty: MediumDevolved Powers in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament at Holyrood has the authority to pass legislation on several 'devolved' matters that specifically affect life in Scotland. Which of the following groups of policy areas are all currently devolved to the Scottish Parliament?

  1. Health and social services, education and training, and the environmentAnswer
  2. B
    Agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and national defence
  3. C
    Tourism, justice, and immigration and nationality
  4. D
    Housing, local government, and the regulation of broadcasting

Answer

The group containing health and social services, education and training, and the environment consists only of devolved powers.
The correct answer is the group containing health and social services, education and training, and the environment because all three are specifically devolved to the Scottish Parliament. This means the Scottish Parliament has the power to pass laws and make decisions in these areas that only apply to Scotland.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the policy areas listed in each option.
The options mix devolved powers (like health and education) with reserved powers (like defence and immigration).
To correctly identify the devolved group, you must distinguish between what Holyrood controls and what Westminster retains.
2
Verify which powers are 'reserved' to the UK Parliament.
Defence, immigration, and broadcasting are reserved matters.
Reserved matters apply to the UK as a whole to ensure consistency in national security, borders, and regulated industries.
3
Select the option where every listed item is a devolved matter.
The option with health, education, and the environment is the only one without a reserved power.
These are core domestic areas devolved to the Scottish Parliament to allow for different policies within Scotland.

Key Concept

The distinction between devolved powers (exercised by the Scottish Parliament) and reserved powers (held by the UK Parliament).
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Devolved Powers in Scotland

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