Deck 10: Devolution and Local Government

Question 1

In March 2010 an agreement was reached which led to the creation of a Department of Justice for Northern Ireland

Answer 1

True

Question 2

In relation to the Welsh Assembly, which of the following is TRUE?

A) An overwhelming majority of the electorate voted in favour of the Welsh Assembly in the 1997 referendum
B) The number of Ministers and Deputy Ministers is limited to 20
C) The Assembly has 60 members
D) Members of the Assembly are all voted in using the proportional representation system

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Which of the following were the conditions set by section 2 of the Northern Ireland (St Andrews Agreement) Act 2006 in relation to devolution?

A) That the Assembly would elect a First and Deputy First Minister
B) That the Assembly would have a fixed budget
C) That nominations would be made for ministerial posts
D) That those elected would affirm the pledge of office

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following are TRUE in relation to the Northern Ireland Assembly?

A) Any member having an interest in a matter must declare this before participating in a debate
B) Qualified privilege attaches to Assembly proceedings
C) The Assembly regulates itself through a series of regulations
D) Assembly elections are held every 4 years unless an extraordinary election is called

Question 5

Which of the following are TRUE in relation to the Scottish Parliament?

A) A 1978 proposal to form a Scottish Parliament failed due to lack of support
B) 85% of those who voted in a referendum of 1997 agreed to the establishment of a Scottish Parliament
C) The Scottish Parliament is bicameral
D) The Scottish Parliament has a fixed four year term of office

Question 6

Which of the following can the Secretary of State for Wales NOT do?

A) Vary the date of an Assembly election by up to three months
B) Regulate the Assembly's proceedings through Standing Orders
C) Vote in Assembly proceedings
D) Participate in Assembly proceedings

Question 7

Outline the composition and powers of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Question 8

Outline the composition and powers of the Scottish Parliament.

Question 9

In relation to the relationship between the UK and Scottish parliaments, define the 'West Lothian question' and state whether you believe there is a need for reform in this area.

Question 10

Describe how the legislative powers of the Welsh Assembly developed from its initial creation to the present day.

Question 11

Outline the powers of the London Mayor.

Question 12

Giving reasons for your answer, explain whether or not you believe that greater power should be transferred from central government to local government.

Question 13

Outline how functions are allocated to local authorities in England and Wales.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT one of the three classes of expenditure incurred by local authorities?

A) Public expenditure
B) Current expenditure
C) Capital expenditure
D) Revenue expenditure

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT one of the principal purposes of the Greater London Authority as stated in Part II of the Greater London Authority Act 1999

A) Promoting economic development and wealth creation in Greater London
B) Promoting the improvement of the environment in Greater London
C) Promoting a cohesive transport policy in Greater London
D) Promoting social development in Greater London

Question 16

The Northern Ireland Assembly can suspend a minister or junior minister if it is deemed that he or she is not committed to non-violence.

Question 17

Under the Northern Ireland Act 1998 it is unlawful for a public authority to incite another to discriminate, against a person or class of persons on the grounds of religious belief or political opinion.

Question 18

Under the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 powers pertaining to the defence of the realm and the armed forces were devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Question 19

In the case of Davidson v Scottish Ministers (2005) the House of Lords ruled that the Scottish courts did not have jurisdiction to make coercive orders against ministers of the Scottish Executive in judicial review proceedings.

Question 20

The Scottish Parliament cannot debate areas in which power is reserved for the UK Parliament.

Question 21

The Secretary of State for Wales may prevent a Measure of the Welsh Assembly receiving the Royal Assent if he or she believes it could have an adverse effect on water resources.

Question 22

If the London Mayor misses 6 consecutive meetings of the London Assembly he or she will be disqualified from office.

Question 23

In which century did Ireland first come under the control of the English?

A) 11th
B) 12th
C) 13th
D) 14th

Question 24

The Government of Ireland Act 1920 partitioned how many of the original counties of Ulster from the rest of Ireland?

A) 5 of 9
B) 5 of 10
C) 6 of 9
D) 6 of 10

Question 25

Scotland comprises approximately what percentage of the UK's population?

A) 0.05
B) 0.1
C) 0.15
D) 0.2

Question 26

Which of these is NOT one of the general categories of matters reserved to the UK Parliament under the Scotland Act 1998?

A) Registration of political parties
B) Civil Service
C) Defence
D) Prisons

Question 27

How old does a person need to be to qualify for election to the post of Mayor of London?

A) Over 18
B) Over 21
C) Over 25
D) Over 30

Question 28

Describe the role of the Audit Commission.