Levels of Government

• Unitary System:– National Government is supreme– Regional governments derive all power from national.

• Confederate System:– Local government is supreme– National govt. derives all power from local.

• Federal System (Federalism):– Power/Authority is divided between national and

regional.– U.S. system

The People of the United KingdomSocial/Ethnic Cleavages

• 83% English• 9% Scottish• 5% Welsh• 3% Northern Irish

• UK policy towards non-English– DEVOLUTION

UK: Unitary Systembecoming Federal

• Devolution:– Delegating decision-making to local public bodies.

• 1998 Good Friday Agreement– Created a local parliament in N. Ireland

• 1999: Creation of Scottish and Welsh Regional Assemblies– Taxation– Education– Economic Planning

• 2000: Direct election of Mayor of London

2014: Referendum on Scottish Independence

• Permitted by Westminster(UK Government)

• Based on the article and your own thoughts, what are the pros and cons of Scottish Independence?

http://www.ipsos-mori.com/offices/scotland/scottishpublicopinionmonitor/keytrends/Independence.aspx

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/scottish-independence-essential-guide#107

Devolution and Scottish Independence

Northern Ireland

• 1921: The island of Ireland was partitioned.Northern Ireland

• Protestants=3/5 of population• Tensions between Catholics and Protestants

“The Troubles” (1969-1998)• Violence between Catholics and Protestants.– Over 3,500 killed

• Irish Republican Army (IRA)– Paramilitary force– Opposed union with UK