WORD BANK - Scottish Parliament

Standard Grade Modern Studies
Living in A Democracy
Section 1
Below is a table of words and definitions. The words have been placed beside the
wrong definitions. Cut and paste the correct word beside the correct definition, or
draw a similar table in your jotter and fill it in.
Draw the table in your jotter, and fill in the right hand side by providing your own
definition. Look up the words in a dictionary or check with the word bank to see how
many you got right.
A type of political system where people have
SINGLE MEMBER CONSTITUENCY their say on who will become their
representatives and the laws that will be
made
PROPORTIONAL
REPRESENTATION
MEMBERS OF THE SCOTTISH
PARLIAMENT (MSPs)
DEMOCRACY
PARTICIPATION
REPRESENTATION
RIGHTS
RESPONSIBILITIES
DEVOLVED MATTERS
RESERVED MATTERS
REGION
A particular local area that elects one MSP to
represent it.
The idea of “taking part”. In this case taking
part in a democracy and influencing the
decisions that are made.
The system of voting where the number of
seats won in the Parliament should be similar
to the number of votes each party receives in
an election.
The idea of acting on behalf of someone else.
For example, MSPs represent their
constituents (the people living in the area
where they were elected).
Made up of a group of constituencies
representing a wide geographical area and
represented by seven MSPs
Things you are expected to do and should do
The individuals elected to serve and represent
the people of Scotland in Parliament. There
are 129 MSPs.
Areas that the Scottish Parliament can make
laws on
Areas that the UK Parliament in Westminster
still make laws on
Things you are entitled to do
1

Standard Grade Modern Studies
Living in A Democracy
Section 2
Could you represent the people in your area?
Are you good at debating?
Can you make decisions on behalf of other people?
Are you good at listening to different points of view?
You could apply to your local political party or stand as an
independent candidate and perhaps become a
Selection of Candidates for the Scottish Parliament
The majority of people who want to be a representative in the Scottish Parliament
have to participate in a selection process. This is a bit like applying for a job. They
may be interviewed, possibly have to give talks and answer questions about their
ideas and what they want to do in the Parliament, in the constituency or region.
Many will have to persuade the political party they belong to that they would make
the best representative in the Parliament for the people in their area and that they
would also be good party workers.
The different political parties all have their own way of selecting candidates. This is
how the main parties have selected their candidates in recent elections:
1

The Scottish Labour Party
In 1999, a Selection Board was made up of people from the UK and Scottish
sections of the Labour Party. They drew up a list of approved candidates.
Labour wanted to achieve better elected representation of women in the Scottish
Parliament and therefore in their selection process they paired constituencies. Two
constituencies were brought together as selection partners, working to choose the
two best people, one a man and the other a woman, to be the Labour candidates for
their constituencies.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
In 1999, the vetting of parliamentary candidates was carried out by a four-member
Board appointed by the Party’s ruling body. The Board was independent of all other
sections of the Party. It oversaw the fairness of selection procedures although
candidates were selected by the Party’s members in each constituency.
The Scottish Green Party
The Scottish Green Party only fielded candidates in the regional lists. They held a
postal ballot in the region, with the candidates being ranked in order of preference.
There was also the chance to put a “negative vote” against the name of a candidate
that was thought to be totally unsuitable.
The Scottish Liberal Democratic Party
The Liberal Democrats created a list of approved candidates from which local party
sections were able to select the person who would represent them in the election.
The Party at national level asked the local parties to be aware of the need to have
more women in the Parliament but this was not made compulsory.
The Scottish National Party
The SNP had a list of approved candidates from which the local SNP constituency
parties were able to nominate candidates. If there is more than one candidate
nominated in the constituency all the members of the party in the area vote by Single
Transferable Vote to select the candidate.
PROSPECTIVE PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATES
The people who stand in the election hoping to be
chosen as Members of the Scottish Parliament are
known as Prospective Parliamentary Candidates.
2

Most candidates belong to a political party and have been selected as the
representative of that party. Once the party has chosen who they want as their
candidate then that person will be given lots of support and help. For example,
Shona Robison is a member of the Scottish National Party, and is a Member of the
Scottish Parliament. How did she become an MSP?
1. Shona joined the SNP when she was 22 years old.
2. She persuaded the Party that she would make a good MSP and was put on
the Regional list for North East Scotland at the 1999 elections. She was
successfully elected for that region as an MSP.
3. For the 2003, 2007 and 2011 elections, Shona was selected from SNP
prospective candidates to be the candidate for the Dundee City East
Constituency.
4. The local party supported Shona in her election campaign
5. Shona was successful in being elected as MSP for the Dundee City East
constituency and is now their representative in the Scottish Parliament.
Not all candidates will be members of a political party. Some people choose to stand
as Independent Candidates. They must find support for their campaign from people
who feel they would make a good representative for the area. If they are successful
they can become an Independent MSP in the Scottish Parliament.
In the 2011 elections there was one successful Independent candidate. This was
Margo MacDonald who is now an MSP for the Lothians Region.
Not all candidates who stand for election to the Parliament are successful. Indeed
as there are only 129 seats in the Parliament the vast majority of candidates will be
unsuccessful. They will have to wait for the next election before they compete for
the opportunity to:
1. Be selected by their political parties.
2. Stand as a prospective parliamentary candidate.
3. Try to persuade enough constituents to vote for them and become an MSP.
3

Activities
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Describe in detail how at least two of the political parties selected prospective
parliamentary candidates.
2. Explain how the Labour Party sought to increase the number of female
prospective parliamentary candidates.
3. Using the case studies on page 3, explain the main difference between the
election of Shona Robison MSP and an Independent MSP.
4. ONLINE ACTIVITY:
Find out who was successful at the Scottish Parliament elections in your
constituency and region by going to the Scottish Parliament’s website
www.scottish.parliament.uk click on the section MSPs and follow the instructions.
Copy the following table into your jotter and fill in the details from the information you
find. This activity can also be done as a group activity to produce a wall chart of your
constituency, and regional MSPs who represent you. (You may want to add other
information; such as the Committees they sit on, their addresses to write to them or
any other interesting information.) What does your class feel is important to record
about your MSPs?
The name of my constituency is:
The name of my constituency MSP is:
THE CONSTITUENCY MSP
The Political Party my constituency MSP belongs to is:
The contact details for my constituency MSP are:
Parliament:
Constituency:
Email:
.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
THE REGIONAL MSPs (you will need to do seven of these)
The name of my region is:
The name of my regional MSP is:
The Political Party my regional MSP belongs to is:
The contact details for my regional MSP are:
Parliament:
Constituency:
Email:
.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
4

Activities
Enquiry Skills
1. Some people have criticised the way the main Parties select their candidates
saying that only people who always agree with their Party will be selected. What
evidence is there that the Parties have a powerful say in who is chosen?
2. In your opinion, why do you think the Parties want to have a say in who is
chosen as their prospective parliamentary candidates?
Political Party
Number of
Female MSPs
Scottish Labour Party 17
Scottish National Party 19
Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 6
Scottish Liberal Democratic Party 1
Scottish Green Party 1
Independents 1
45 Total Number
of female MSPs
129 Total Number
of MSPs
3. What evidence is there in the table above that women are under-represented as
MSPs at the Parliament?
4. In your opinion, why do you think some people want to widen representation
amongst women and minority groups?
Key Points
People who want to become MSPs go through the same type of process as you
would when applying for any job: interviews, presentations, etc. They need to
convince their political party that they are the best person for the job.
Different political parties have different methods of selecting people to be the person
who will represent them in the election to become an MSP.
Most of the main parties created a list of candidates from which the local party or
branch was able to choose their preferred option.
Some people have suggested that the parties’ central organisations have too much
influence over the selection process.
Some people are concerned that women and other minority groups are underrepresented
in the Scottish Parliament.
Once people have been selected by their political parties they become Prospective
Parliamentary Candidates, and their election campaign begins to try to win enough
support from the voters in order to become an MSP.
5

Standard Grade Modern Studies
Living In A Democracy
Section 3
ELECTORATE
All the people
who have the
right to vote in
an election
When a person has been selected to stand in the election, the political parties and their
candidates use a variety of methods during the election campaign to try and persuade the
electorate to vote for them. There is a lot of hard work ahead! They may…
10. Hold public
meetings to discuss
their views and
meet with voters.
Vote
for
ME!
1. Put up
posters all over
the area.
2. Ask people who they
are going to vote for
and perhaps organise
transport to take them
to the polling station.
9. Interviews
on the radio,
television and
in
newspapers.
Vote
for
ME!
The candidates are competing with
each other to be chosen to become
the MSP for their region or
constituency.
Each candidate needs to get her/his
political message across to as many
people as they possibly can.
They try to persuade the electorate
that they and their party's policies
would be the best for their area and
for Scotland.
Vote
for
ME!
3. Talk to people on
the streets or go
around the houses
in the area.
8. Hand party leaflets to
as many households and
people as possible.
7. Visit local
schools, hospitals,
businesses, etc.
6. Go around the
constituency with a
loudspeaker spreading their
political message.
4. Try to persuade
people right up to the
very last minute at the
doors of the polling
stations.
5. Attend a debate with the
other prospective candidates.
1

Election Day is one of the most important days for Scotland. It is the day
when all the people who have the right to vote can decide who they want
to represent them in the Scottish Parliament as their MSPs; the people who
will make the laws that govern and influence all of our lives.
I agree with a lot of what this
person has to say.
She is a good listener and
speaker so she’ll be good at
making sure my interests and
concerns are heard in
Parliament.
Can Everyone
Vote?
Not everyone has
the right to vote, for
example, people
under 18 years old
and prisoners do
not have the right
to vote.
In the election for the Scottish Parliament around 4 million people had the right to vote. Of all the people
who had the right to vote, known as the electorate, around 51% used this right and participated in the
elections to the new Scottish Parliament.
49%
Voter turnout at the 2011
election
51%
% Electorate who
voted
% Electorate who did
not vote
Voter Turnout
This is the number of
people from the
electorate who
actually vote in an
election.
In a democracy it is
expected that if you
have the right to vote
you should make the
effort to vote.
2

Voting took place between 7 am and 10 pm on Thursday 5th May 2011. The electorate was
asked to choose between the different political parties and candidates. The candidates had
campaigned and tried to persuade as many voters as they could; now it was the voters’ day
of choice. Who would they choose to represent us and our interests in the Scottish
Parliament? The pie chart below shows the decisions the electorate made at that election.
Total Number
of Seats = 129
The election of May 2011 was part of the democratic process in Scotland when the people of
Scotland were given the opportunity to choose their representatives. Our MSPs therefore
have their position and power to make laws because of the consent of the voters shown in
the results of the first elections to the Scottish Parliament.
At the election the electorate gave MSPs the right to represent them by making laws and
taking decisions on their behalf.
Activities
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Describe in detail four methods that a candidate may use to influence people to vote for
her/him.
2. Describe in detail how people can participate in an election and an election campaign.
3. On what date were the most recent elections to the Scottish Parliament held?
4. Why do MSPs have the right to create laws and make decisions in the Scottish
Parliament?
5. Describe in detail how people vote.
3

Enquiry Skills
1. Imagine you are a candidate in an election. What methods do you think you would
devote most time to and why?
SOURCE A
"I won't vote in elections to the Scottish Parliament because the important decisions are
made in London by the House of Commons."
James Truesdale
SOURCE B
"The very first Scottish Parliament election in 1999 was one of the most important days in my
life. For years I had campaigned for a Scottish Parliament and now I had my chance to have
my say in who I wanted to govern Scotland."
Gillian Reynolds
2. (a) Source A and B give two different views on the elections to the Scottish Parliament.
What are two of these differences?
(b) Do you think Election Day is one of the most important days for Scotland?
Grant
The vast
Robertson
majority of Scottish people have helped to choose our new representatives.”
Grant Robertson
3. Using only the pie chart “Voter Turnout at the 2011 Election” why could Mr Robertson be
accused of exaggeration?
4. Using only the pie chart “Number of Seats Won by Political Party in the Elections for the
Scottish Parliament” create a bar graph of these results.
1. Why should you vote? Hold a class debate to discuss the reasons for taking part in
elections. Look at the website for advice on holding a debate
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/education/resources/learningResources/5-
14envStudies.htm, or investigate the issue by making up a questionnaire to find out
people’s views
2. Why do so many people not vote
3. How can voter turnout be increased?
The Electoral Reform Society thinks that the way elections are organised should be
changed. You can find their views on www.electoral-reform.org.uk. The different political
parties also have their own views. Try to find out more through the different political parties’
websites.
4

Key Points
During the election campaign candidates employ a range of methods in order to try and
influence as many people as they can to vote for them
Elections allow people to choose who they want to represent them in the Parliament
Not everyone has the right to vote, for example, people under 18 cannot vote
Members of the Scottish Parliament are elected to represent the interests and concerns of
all the people who live in their constituency or region.
The date for the first elections to the Scottish Parliament was 6 th May 1999
58% of people in Scotland exercised their right to vote in the first Scottish Parliamentary
elections in nearly 300 years.
The results were Labour 56 seats, SNP 35, Conservative 18, Liberal Democrat 17, Green
Party 1, Scottish Socialist 1 and Dennis Canavan won the seat for Falkirk West.
On 1 st May 2003, the second elections to the Scottish Parliament took place.
The turnout of the electorate was 49%
The results were Labour 50 seats, SNP 27, Conservative 18, Liberal Democrats 17, Green
7, Scottish Socialist 6, Scottish Senior Citizens’ Unity Party 1, and Independents 3
MSPs have the right to represent us in the Parliament because they were chosen in the
election.
On 3 rd May 2007, the third elections to the Scottish Parliament took place.
The turnout of the electorate was 52%.
The results were: SNP 47 seats, Labour 46, Conservative 17, Liberal Democrats 16,
Green 2 and 1 Independent.
On 5 th May 2011, the fourth election to the Scottish Parliament was held.
The turnout of the electorate was around 51%
The results were: SNP 69 seats, Labour 37, Conservative 15, Liberal Democrats 5, Green
2, Independent 1
5

Standard Grade Modern Studies
Living in a Democracy
Section 4
Elections to the Scottish Parliament use a type of Proportional Representation (PR) to
elect our representatives. This combines 2 systems of voting: the traditional system
of elections in the United Kingdom called First Past the Post, and a system of voting
called Additional Members System (AMS). In the election everybody has two votes.
CONSTITUENCY
REGIONAL
This vote is for a Constituency
representative
This vote is for Regional
representatives
Scotland is divided up into 73
electoral areas, known as
constituencies.
The electorate is given the choice of
different people, most of whom
belong to a political party, to vote for
to be their constituency
representative.
The person with the most votes in
each constituency wins and
becomes the MSP for that
constituency.
Scotland is divided into 8 electoral
areas known as regions.
People are given the choice of
different political parties to vote for.
Each Party has a list of prospective
candidates.
A particular mathematical formula is
used to allocate additional members
from the various parties, based on
the number of votes each party
receives.
They are first past the post
winners.
This system is used so that the
percentage of votes a party receives
in the Election is about the same as
the percentage of seats they win in
the Scottish Parliament.
1

The Additional Member System used by the Scottish Parliament creates eight
Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) to represent every person in
Scotland. Here is how it worked for the constituency of Glasgow Anniesland in
the region of Glasgow in the 2011 election.
This vote was to elect the person who would represent the constituency of Glasgow
Anniesland. The results in that election were as follows.
Candidate Name Party Votes Cast
Bill Butler Scottish Labour 10, 322
Bill Kidd Scottish National Party 10, 329
Marc Livingstone Communist party of Britain 256
Paul McGarry Scottish Liberal Democrats 1,000
Matthew Taylor Smith Scottish Conservative Party 2,011
As you can see in the above table Bill Kidd (SNP) won more votes than any other
candidate in the constituency and therefore was elected as the constituency MSP for
Glasgow Anniesland.
Glasgow Anniesland is a constituency in the region of Glasgow. Seven other
MSPs were elected to represent the region. The second vote was for a political
party and was counted from all the votes in the region using a mathematical
formula that means the total number of seats a party receives in the election
more accurately reflects the percentage of votes the party has received.
The Labour Party won 3 seats
in the regional election.
Hanzala Malik
Drew Smith
Anne McTaggart
were the first three people on
the Labour Party’s list.
2

The Green Party won 1 seat in the
regional election. Patrick Harvie was
the first person on the Green Party
list.
The Conservative Party won 1 seat
in the regional election. Ruth
Davidson was the first person on the
Conservative list.
The SNP won two seats. Humza
Yousaf and Bob Doris were the first
two people on the SNP list.
By using the two methods of voting, First Past the Post and Additional Member
System, it is hoped to combine the advantages of both systems.
First Past the Post Advantages
First Past the Post Disadvantages
First Past the Post is easy for voters
to understand. The candidate who
wins more votes than any other
candidate wins the seat.
There can be a strong link between
the voters and their representative.
The voters have one representative
to remember and to contact if they
have any problems.
First Past the Post has been
described as being 'unfair', for
example, what happens to the rest of
the votes for the other candidates?
Some people who voted for the other
candidates may feel they have
'wasted' their vote. Also, parties can
win elections with less than 50% of
the total votes cast.
First Past the Post rewards political
parties who have a lot of support in
particular constituencies and
penalises parties whose support may
be more widely spread throughout the
country
3

AMS Advantages
AMS Disadvantages
Using proportional representation the
number of votes a party receives more
clearly reflects the number of seats it
wins, hopefully ending the feeling of
the 'wasted vote'.
Proportional Representation may help
smaller political parties gain seats and
representation in the Parliament.
PR will often result in a coalition
government. This is when two or more
parties will join forces to form the
government. Some people suggest
that coalition governments are more
representative of the way people have
voted.
Proportional Representation may use
a more complicated method of
counting the votes and therefore can
be more difficult for the voters to
understand.
Proportional Representation may
mean more than one representative
for an area and people can be
confused about who is responsible for
what and who they can go and see if
they have a problem.
Coalition governments may be less
stable than a majority government. If
the coalition parties disagree over too
much the coalition can be torn apart
and the government falls.
4

The table below shows the results for the election to the Parliament in May 2011.
Political Party
Constituency
MSPs
Regional
MSPs
Total MSPs % of votes* % of seats
Conservative 3 12 15 13.15 11.6
Green 0 2 2 2.2 1.6
Labour 15 22 37 29 28.7
Liberal Democrats 2 3 5 6.55 3.9
Scottish National
Party
53 16 69 44.7 53.5
Margo Macdonald - 1 1 0.45 0.8
Others 0 0 0 3.95 -
*Average over both constituency and regional ballots. Note that the Green Party did not stand in any
constituency – they only had regional candidates. Similarly, Margo Macdonald was a regional
candidate only.
As you can see from the table above the percentage of votes is closely related to
the percentage of seats each party received.
You can also see in the table that the SNP won a majority of seats in the Parliament.
This is the first time a single party has held a majority. After the 1999 and 2003
elections the Labour Party and Liberal Democrats formed a coalition in the
Parliament. By joining forces they had a majority of MSPs and formed the Scottish
Government. After the 2007 elections however, the SNP did not form a coalition with
another party and formed a minority government instead. As they had less than half
the MSPs the SNP had to seek the approval of the other parties over their policies in
order to get them passed. This is sometimes called “consensus politics”.
Find out more about the Scottish Government at www.scotland.gov.uk
5

Activities
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Scotland uses a new system for electing our representatives. What is the name
of this system?
2. Describe at least two differences between the vote for a constituency
representative and the vote for a regional representative.
3. Why was Bill Kidd elected to be the constituency MSP for Glasgow Anniesland?
4. In the Regional vote, how many seats did each Party win in the Glasgow area?
5. Describe in detail the advantages of First Past the Post?
6. Describe in detail the advantages of Proportional Representation.
6

Activities
Enquiry Skills
“First Past the Post has been our system for electing people for years. It
provided strong government and people knew who represented them. The
electoral system for the Scottish Parliament isn’t fair, it's confusing.”
Mark McGinnes
1. Do you agree with the views expressed by Mark McGinnes? You must provide
reasons for your answer.
2. Why do you think a picture of a person winning in a race might be used to
represent the idea of First Past the Post?
3. Refer back to Worksheet 2 and the Online Activity when you found out the MSPs
that represent you. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having both
Constituency and Regional MSPs to represent people at the Scottish Parliament?
Key Points
Elections to the Scottish Parliament use a system of voting called The
Additional Member System.
Voters have two votes, one for a constituency MSP and another to elect a list
MSP to represent the region
As a result of our voting system each person in Scotland has 8 people who
represent them in the Scottish Parliament: 1 Constituency MSP and 7
Regional MSPs.
Constituency and Regional MSPs have the same position and responsibilities
in representing the people in their area.
The Additional Member System is intended to provide a fairer share of seats
in relation to votes.
7

Standard Grade Modern Studies
Living in a Democracy
Section 5
Can you imagine what it would be like if everyone in the class
were given the opportunity to have his or her say, and get to
vote on every issue? Would this be practical?
There are just over 5 million people living in Scotland today.
What do you think it would be like if everyone in Scotland
were given the opportunity to have his or her say and vote on
every issue? Would this be practical?
Many important decisions would never be made.
This is why we elect representatives, a relatively small number of people who
represent us and make decisions on our behalf. In the Scottish Parliament these
people are called Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). They were elected to
represent all the people in their constituencies or regions in the debates and
decision-making of the Parliament.
It is because our MSPs were elected that they have the right to act on our behalf.
Elected – our MSPs were chosen by the voters in an election
As our representatives they act
on our behalf in the decisions,
debates and laws that are made at
the Parliament.
By being chosen in an
election they were given
the right to represent
us
MSPs have a responsibility to work on behalf of their constituents. They do this in
two main ways:
(1) The work they do in the Parliament
(2) The work they do in their Constituency or Region
1

(1) The work they do in the Parliament
MSPs may be members of
one or two of the Committees
of the Parliament. Committees
usually meet during the times
opposite.
There are usually around 16
Committees that are made up
of between 7 and 11 MSPs.
They discuss in detail a
particular area or subject, e.g.
Education
MSPs represent us in the Parliament's Committees by:
Scrutinising proposed new laws (known as Bills)
Proposing amendments (changes) to Bills
Conducting enquiries
Discussing and writing Committee reports for the Parliament to consider
Scrutinising Ministers and Officials
Asking the Committee to propose a Bill.
Asking outside groups to present evidence helping them to develop informed
opinions and to represent the views of a wide range of people.
The Chamber of the
Parliament is where all 129
MSPs have the opportunity
to debate, discuss and vote
on the issues of the day.
It is only in the Chamber of
the Parliament that a Bill
can be passed.
MSPs might represent us in the Chamber by:
Speaking and voting in the Chamber
Putting forward a motion (idea) to be debated
Suggesting an amendment (change) to be made to a bill.
Questioning Ministers and the First Minister.
They may try to introduce a Members Bill (according to the Parliament's rules every
MSP has the right to introduce two Bills in the term of the Parliament).
2

(2) The work they do in their Constituency or Region
MSPs will be writing replies to letters, emails and replying to phone calls
Attending meetings and events where they can discuss issues with groups of
constituents and people from other organisations.
Attending special events in their constituency, for example, the opening of a new
community resource centre.
Holding surgeries, i.e. a particular time and place where constituents can meet
their MSP and raise any problems with them.
Our MSPs, MP and Local Councillor may meet to discuss areas of mutual
concern and possibly to pass an enquiry to the appropriate representative.
MSPs are also involved in working with their Constituency Party seeking the
views and help of party members.
Devolved and Reserved Matters
Only some issues can be dealt with by the Scottish Parliament. These are known as
Devolved Matters as the powers to make laws on these areas has been devolved
(transferred) from Westminster and the UK Parliament.
The Devolved Matters are:
Health
Local Government
Housing
Tourism
Some Transport
Police and Fire Services
Natural and built heritage
Sport and the Arts
Education
Social Work
Planning
Economic development
Courts and legal system
Environment
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Public Registers and Records
3

Reserved Matters are issues where the power to make laws has been kept by the
UK Parliament at Westminster in London.
The Reserved Matters are:
Constitutional Matters
Defence
Common Markets
Some Transport
Social Security
Data Protection
Equal Opportunities
Guns and weapons
Energy – coal, gas, oil, electricity and
nuclear energy
UK Foreign Policy
National Security
Trade and Industry
Employment Law
Gambling and National Lottery
Abortion
Broadcasting/Entertainment
Drug Laws
Elections
Joseph Keir is a keen sportsman. He is concerned at the lack
of facilities available for people with disabilities in his local
area, and in Scotland as a whole.
He wants to let his MSPs know about his concerns and to ask
them to ensure that there are improvements in sports facilities
and in all forms of disabled access.
1. He writes to his constituency and all 7 regional MSPs
telling them about his concerns and the changes he wants
to happen.
2. He visits 2 of his MSPs at their surgeries.
3. One of his MSPs is on the Equal Opportunities Committee.
He visits her at the Parliament and observes the
Committee at work.
4. He organises a meeting in his local area where people can
express their views and where they can meet and discuss
the issues with their MSPs.
5. He organises a petition, obtaining over two thousand
signatures asking the MSPs to propose a new bill that will
improve the lives of people with disabilities in Scotland.
4

How the MSPs represent
Joseph
The MSP on the Equal Opportunities Committee raises the
question of disabled access at the Committee meeting. The
Committee decides to investigate the issue. Joseph is invited
to give evidence to the Committee
A question is put to the Minister for Sport at Question Time on
Thursday afternoon. The Minister replies that the Government
is also concerned about this issue and is conducting an inquiry
of its own.
Another of Joseph's MSPs writes to the Minister for Social
Inclusion. The reply will be made available to Joseph to read,
and everyone else on the Parliament's website. (Go to
www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/pqa/index.htm
for examples of written questions and answers)
One of the MSPs promises to propose a Member’s Bill in
Parliament to improve disabled access throughout Scotland.
He organises a meeting in the Parliament to get as much
support as he can for the Bill.
An MSP holds a meeting with Joseph’s Local Councillor as the
Local Authority has responsibility for the Sports Centre and
therefore his representative on the Council may also be able to
help.
5

Activities
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Why do MSPs have the right to act on our behalf?
2. MSPs work on behalf of their constituents in two main ways. One is the work
they do in their constituency or region. What is the other?
3. Copy and complete a weekly timetable for the Work of an MSP using the details
on pages 2 and 3
DAY
WORK
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
AM
PM
AM
PM
AM
PM
AM
PM
AM
PM
4. Describe three ways MSPs work on behalf of their constituents in the Committees
of the Parliament.
5. The Scottish Parliament tries to be family friendly. Do you think this happens in
practice?
6. Is there a link between the Parliament trying to be family friendly and a high
percentage of female MSPs?
Watch Holyrood TV to see MSPs in action! And go to the Education page on the
Scottish Parliament website and follow the Explore the Parliament link and Explore
the Debating Chamber.
6

Activities
Enquiry Skills
1. Every MSP has the opportunity to introduce two bills to Parliament. Do you think
this is an effective way for them to represent their constituents? You must give
reasons for your answer.
2. From the list below write down one issue that concerns you, and what you would
like to see changed: EDUCATION, HEALTH, HOUSING, SPORT, or
ENVIRONMENT. How would you let your MSPs know about your concerns and
your ideas for improvement?
3. Imagine you are the Constituency MSP for your area. You have received a letter
from a young person who attends one of the schools in the constituency. The
pupil is concerned that there are no after school clubs because of a shortage of
teachers.
(a) As part of the collecting evidence stage for your investigation you send a letter
to the pupil. Explain why you have chosen that method.
(b) Give two relevant questions that you could include in your letter that would
help you in your investigation into the issue of teacher shortages.
Key Points
MSPs are elected to represent the people in their constituency or region in the
decision making of the Parliament
MSPs work on behalf of the people in two main ways:
(1) The work they do in the Parliament, for example, speaking in
debates, working in Committees, questioning the Government,
proposing legislation, etc.
(2) The work they do in the Constituency or Region, for example,
responding to letters, working in their surgeries, attending meetings,
etc.
Devolved Matters are areas in which the Scottish Parliament has been given the
power to pass laws. Reserved Matters are areas in which the UK Parliament still
has the power to make laws.
As well as our representatives in the Scottish Parliament we are also represented
in the UK Parliament by our MP and at local council level by our Local Councillor.
We also have a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).
7

Number of Votes
Standard Grade Modern Studies
Living in a Democracy
Section 6
Democracy - this means “rule by the people”. The people should have a say in what
happens and what is decided.
How do people participate? How do they have their say and influence what is
decided? There are many ways; some of them include voting, campaigning, joining
political parties and becoming involved in pressure groups.
One of the most important ways people can participate is by voting. They do this
usually at election time when the whole country is given the opportunity to choose
who they want to represent them and become their MSPs. Elections to the Scottish
Parliament have taken place every four years. Sometimes it is necessary to hold a
by-election – this is an election in a constituency where a seat becomes vacant. For
example, in the March 2006 of the Scottish Parliament the seat for the constituency
of Moray became vacant when the MSP Margaret Ewing died. A by-election was
held in which the voters of Moray chose Richard Lochhead of the SNP.
Result of Moray By-election April 2006
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
Conservative Labour Lib Dem SNP NHS First
Party
1

Campaigning can involve many different methods to persuade MSPs to support a
cause. People can become involved in demonstrations, sending letters, emails,
petitions, organising visits to MSPs surgeries, or organising media campaigns.
Everybody in Scotland has the right to campaign, to seek to influence others and
decision-makers.
During the three sessions of Parliament (1999 - 2011), 1389 petitions were
submitted to the Parliament‟s Public Petitions Committee.
Petitions are often used in campaigns to show the level of support for a particular
point of view. They usually contain a statement about the aim of the campaign and
the campaigners seek to get as much support as possible by asking people to sign
their petition.
Each petition the Parliament receives must be looked at and the petitioner must be
informed about what happens to their petition i.e. if it is within the powers of the
Parliament to make a decision on, if a law already exists, or if a new law should be
introduced.
Who petitions the Parliament?
Anyone can petition the Parliament. A petition can be submitted by one person, a
group of people or an organised pressure group. A petition can be submitted on
paper, or through the e-petitioning system.
In the first 7 years of the Parliament (1999 – 2006) 53% of the petitions were
organised by individuals, pressure groups sent 15% and community groups sent
18% (figures taken from The Assessment of the Scottish Parliament's Public
Petitions System 1999 – 2006 by Dr. Christopher J. Carman, University of Glasgow)
2

To see how you can petition the Scottish Parliament, and to see the issues people
send petitions about, go to www.scottish.parliament.uk and click on the Committees
link then on Public Petitions.
Political parties are organisations that are concerned with a wide variety of issues.
They want to be successful at the election and form the government. This allows
them to put forward many of the laws they think will be good for the country.
Becoming involved in a political party is a way some people seek to influence politics
and decision making. As members of a political party people can shape that party‟s
ideas and policies through, for example, taking part in a debate at a party
conference, interviewing and choosing the prospective parliamentary candidate for
their area or becoming a candidate themselves. The party members will also work
closely with and support their party MSPs.
Pressure Groups are organisations that want to change policy but do not want to
become the government. They focus on particular issues or areas of concern and
can become involved in policy making by organising campaigns, sending letters,
organising demonstrations and signing petitions. People join pressure groups to
show their support for a particular issue and to join with other like-minded people in
trying to influence our politicians. Some people feel working in a group like this
means they have a louder voice in getting their message across.
I want to make a
difference but
don’t feel acting
on my own will be
enough.
3

Activities
Knowledge and Understanding
1. There are many ways that people can participate and contribute to the decisions
and work of the Parliament. Copy and complete the following table
VOTING
One of the key ways that people participate in the
political process is by voting in elections
These are organisations that do not want to become
the government. They seek to influence MSPs and
the Parliament on particular issues.
CAMPAIGNING
PETITIONS
These are organisations that want to be elected and
form the government.
1. From the table you have just completed, what campaigning methods have you
seen people take part in, either on television, radio, newspapers or in your area?
2. The Scottish Parliament has the power to make decisions and new laws in the
following areas: Education, Health, Housing, The Environment, Roads and
Transport.
(a) Are there any particular issues you are interested in?
(b) Choose one of the areas above and name a pressure group whose work is
concerned with that area.
(c) Have you seen the pressure group in action? What where they doing and
who where they trying to influence?
4

Activities
Enquiry Skills
1.
Source A
WHO PETITIONS THE PARLIAMENT?
In the first 7 years (1999 to 2006) 1031 petitions were submitted to the Scottish
Parliament - 53% came from petitions organised by individuals, pressure groups sent
15% and community groups sent 18%.
Source B
VOTER TURNOUT
In the first election for the Scottish Parliament around 4 Million people had the right to
vote. Of all the people who had the right to vote, known as the electorate, 58% used
this right and participated in the elections to the new Scottish Parliament. In the
election in 2011, 51% of the electorate voted.
Using Source A and B what evidence is there that people are taking part in Scottish
democracy?
2. The Scottish Parliament makes decisions that affect your life. What method or
methods do you think would be best in influencing your MSPs? You must give
reasons for your answer.
3.
“Our politicians don‟t take any notice of young people. It wasn‟t until I joined a
pressure group that I really felt I was making the politicians listen.”
Robert Wilcox
Explain why some people would choose to join a pressure group?
5

Key Points
Democracy means „rule by the people‟. People should have a say in what happens
and what is decided
There are many different ways in which people can participate in politics and
decision making
Voting – people use their vote to choose what candidate or party they want to make
ggggg decisions in the Parliament. Elections to the Scottish Parliament take place every
four years to allow the people a regular choice of who they want to represent them
Campaigning – this involves many different types of activities: demonstrating,
sending letters and emails, media campaigns, visiting MSPs, sending petitions.
Sending Petitions – people send petitions to show how strongly they feel about an
issue and to try to influence decision makers.
Taking part in a political party – Political Parties seek to become the government.
Some people join political parties to influence the types of policies the Party will
have and to support the Party in becoming the government.
Becoming involved in a Pressure Group. Pressure groups want to change policy but
do not want to become the government. Pressure groups focus on a particular area
or areas of concern and seek to influence decision makers.
6

Standard Grade Modern Studies
Living in a Democracy
Section 7
In a democracy we have opportunities to participate in the political process and to
influence the decisions that are made in our Parliament. The success of a
democracy depends on the participation of its citizens.
We all have RIGHTS, things we are entitled to do, and RESPONSIBILITIES, things
we are expected to do.
Rights
Responsibilities
Things You are Entitled to do Things You are Expected to do
1. Right to Vote (for those 1. We should use our vote
over 18)
2. Right to Freedom of 2. Responsibility to respect the
speech and expression right of others to express
to say and do what you
want (within the law)
themselves and their points
of view
3. Right to join a group and
meet with others, for
3. Responsibility to obey the
law
example a trade union or
pressure group
4. Right to stand as a
candidate in an election
4. Responsibility to allow others
to exercise their rights
(for those over 18)
5. Right to a secret ballot 5. Responsibility to campaign
within the law
6. Right to criticise the
Government
7. Right to campaign, for
example,
send a petition,
demonstrate etc
1

Our MSPs also have rights and responsibilities with specific regard to their work as
an MSP.
The Standards Committee is a group of 7 MSPs at the Parliament who have a
particular job to make sure all of our MSPs are exercising their responsibilities.
Our MSPs have the right to participate in the debates and Committees of the
Parliament.
Our MSPs have the right to be treated fairly in the debates of the Parliament.
Our MSPs have the right to vote in the Parliament, thus deciding on our behalf what
will make good laws for our country
MSPs have a duty to act in the interests of the Scottish people.
They must obey the law.
They must be accessible to the people they represent.
They must respect the privacy of individuals.
They must act honestly and with integrity.
They must be open and accountable with regard to their decisions and actions.
They must not put themselves under any financial or other obligation that may
influence their duties.
2

Activities
Knowledge and Understanding
1. Describe in detail three rights and three responsibilities we have in our
democracy.
2. Describe how people exercise their rights and responsibilities.
3. What is the name of the Parliamentary Committee whose job is to ensure that our
MSPs are exercising their responsibilities? To find out more about this Committee
look on the website at www.scottish.parliament.uk and follow the Committee link.
Activities
Enquiry Skills
Source A Taken from The Code of Conduct for Members of the Scottish Parliament
2.4 The word “integrity” is inscribed on the mace which is a symbol of the authority
of the Parliament; it is one of a number of principles which must be observed in all
that members do.
1. Find a definition of the word integrity. What evidence is there in Source A that
integrity is an important responsibility of Members of the Scottish Parliament?
2. Our MSPs have rights and responsibilities. In your opinion what is the most
important responsibility our MSPs have? You must give reasons for your answer.
3. In your opinion what is the most important right we have in our democracy? You
must give reasons for your answer.
4. Prepare two questions you would ask an MSP about their responsibilities.
Key Points
In a democracy we have rights; things we are entitled to do.
We also have responsibilities; things we are expected to do
Our MSPs, in relation to the specific job they do, also have rights and responsibilities.
The Standards Committee of the Parliament ensures that our MSPs act according to
their responsibilities.
3

Standard Grade Modern Studies
Living in a Democracy
Section 8
The representatives who sit in the Scottish Parliament are known as Members of
the Scottish Parliament (MSPs).
There are 129 MSPs.
Every person in Scotland is represented by 8 MSPs. 1 MSP who represents their
Constituency and 7 MSPs who represent their Region of Scotland.
For electoral purposes Scotland is divided into 73 Constituencies and 8 Regions.
The 73 Constituency MSPs are elected using First Past the Post.
The 56 Regional MSPs are elected using The Additional Member System.
In May 2011, the following Political Parties were represented in the Parliament:
Political Party Constituency Regional MSPs Total MSPs
MSPs
Scottish National Party 53 16 69*
Scottish Labour Party 15 22 37
Scottish Conservative
3 12 15
and Unionist Party
Scottish Liberal
2 3 5
Democratic Party
Scottish Green Party 0 2 2
Independents 0 1 1
73 56 129*
* This figure includes Tricia Marwick MSP who is Presiding Officer and has no party affiliation while she
holds this position.
There was a 51% voter turnout on 5th May 2011, the fourth election to the
Scottish Parliament
Two MSPs from ethnic minority backgrounds were elected
1

There are 45 (34.9 %) female MSPs in the Scottish Parliament.
Political Party Number of
Female MSPs
Scottish National Party 18
Scottish Labour Party 17
Scottish Conservative and Unionist 6
Party
Scottish Liberal Democratic Party 1
Scottish Green Party 1
Independents 1
Presiding Officer (Tricia Marwick) 1
The Additional Member System was used to create a fairer share of the seats
in the Parliament in relation to the percentage of votes a party received.
Political Party
% of % of Seats
Votes Won
Scottish National Party 44.7 53.5
Scottish Labour Party 29 28.7
Scottish Conservative and 13.15 11.6
Unionist Party
Scottish Liberal Democratic 6.55 3.9
Party
Green Party 1.6 1.6
Other 3.95 -
Margo Macdonald 0.9 0.8
*The % of votes figure was reached by adding together the percentage share of constituency votes and
percentage share of regional votes and dividing by two to get an average.
All day on a Tuesday and a Wednesday morning MSPs may be working in the
Committees of the Parliament
On Wednesday afternoon and all day on a Thursday MSPs may be working in
the Chamber of the Parliament
Mondays and Fridays are usually reserved for working in their Constituency or
Region
2