Democracy in Scotland is 'Part A' in the final SQA exam Question Paper. In your answers, you refer to examples from Scottish politics and the Scottish Parliament. The topics studied are detailed in the Course Assessment Specification (CAS), which is outlined below. Use the contents table below to click to relevant headings.
Power and decision-making
features of a democratic political society
devolved and reserved matters
role and powers of Scottish First Minister
Participation
rights and responsibilities of individuals
opportunities for individuals
elections and campaigning (role of individuals, political parties and the media)
Influence
the media and either
pressure groups or
trade unions
Study of the group/organisation chosen should focus on role, purpose, aims, methods and critical evaluation of the extent to which influence is exercised in democracy.
Representation
role of MSPs
representation of women and minority groups
purpose, function and composition of Committees in the Scottish Parliament Voting systems
key features and outcomes of the system used to elect MSPs to the Scottish Parliament, including the strengths and weaknesses of this system
LAST UPDATED: 18th April 2023
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Features of Scotland's democracy
Devolved powers of the Scottish Parliament
How parties campaign during elections
Roles of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs)
Roles and powers of the Scottish First Minister
Representation of women and minorities AND AMS
AMS: North East Scotland region
Influence of the media and trade unions
Please note, the content below was created ahead of the 2019 exam diet. Therefore, some of the information will be out of date. I have kept the attachments below available though in case the information is of use.
The video to the right is called 'Key revision information'. It is intended to help you update your notes from class by mixing together updated PowerPoint slides, with a brief voice-over and news clips to help you gather examples for your Point-Explain-Example. Its structure is based on the Course Specification (CAS) shown at the top of this page.
The PDF document you will find here shows every relevant past paper question.
Source-based revision about women, minorities and participation.
Active task which helps you revise the different political parties at Holyrood.
Fact-files providing detail about several Trade Unions and Scottish politics.
The work booklet (shown on the left) has been shared by Mr Beattie at Vale of Leven Academy. It covers the Democracy in Scotland topic in depth and can be used to further enhance your knowledge and understanding of the 'Democracy in Scotland' unit ahead of the SQA exam.
Revise 'Democracy in Scotland' to the childhood theme of 'Old MacDonald'. Listen to the tune and sing along with the words on the screen. It's a different way to revise.
This video covers the key course content for 'Democracy in Scotland' in less than three minutes. So, phone zombies beware: revision is something even you can do! Watch the video to the left. It's (yet) another way to revise that doesn't involve simply copying notes!
BBC Parliament – Scottish Parliament website: https://goo.gl/bRnHw1
BBC Scotland - Scottish Parliament 2021 coverage: https://bbc.in/40hKjGq
First Minister’s website: https://goo.gl/AEb3ik
Scottish Government website: https://goo.gl/HTmMPB
Scottish Parliament website: https://goo.gl/Ty7UaZ
Scottish Parliament Education Service website: https://bit.ly/41yXzrr
Scottish Parliament Information Centre website: https://bit.ly/2Uq6bxT
Scottish Conservative’s website: https://goo.gl/LCJsBD
Scottish Green’s website: https://goo.gl/fZmdvX
Scottish Labour’s website: https://goo.gl/Nnnjdp
Scottish Liberal Democrats’ website: https://goo.gl/3zZcLo
Scottish Socialist Party’s website: https://goo.gl/nxccKU
SNP’s website: https://goo.gl/qbLH9U