Functions of the Parliament

What am I learning today? The five functions of the Scottish Parliament How a law is made An example of a law that was made Different types of bills

The functions of the Scottish Parliament are the jobs that the Parliament does. Functions are sometimes called roles. The Scottish Parliament has many functions. We will study the 5 main functions. What is a ‘function?’

The Five Functions are: 1.Discussion and passing of laws on devolved matters. 2.Representation of Scottish voters. 3.Scrutiny of the Government. 4.Role of MSPs. 5.The work of committees.

GLOSSARY ScrutiniseTo look over something carefully BillDiscussed by parliament and will later become a law CommitteeThe Scottish Parliament has many of these- MSPs must be part of one Question TimeMSPs can ask the First Minister questions AccountableAnswerable to somebody MinistersMSPs who are members of the Scottish Government

Function 1: Discussion and passing of laws on devolved matters The main function of any parliament is to make laws. The main function of the Scottish Parliament is to make laws on devolved matters. Any proposals for new laws are called ‘Bills’. In order for a bill to be passed as law, it has to go through several stages.

How laws are made PROPOSAL (Smoking Ban) Examined by relevant committee and then reports to Parliament. Stage 1: Debated by Parliament and then MSPs vote.

Stage 2: Committee examines Bill in detail, makes necessary amendments and reports back to Parliament. Stage 3: Parliament debates Bill. MSPs can submit amendments. Vote on Bill and if majority says yes it becomes a law.

Royal assent – All Bills must be signed by the monarch before they can become law. This procedure reflects that Scotland is part of the UK and that all UK legislation must obtain the Royal Assent.

Activities Complete the questions on p.20 of the booklet.

Recap Copy the table. Decide if the following are devolved or reserved powers. DevolvedReserved HousingEducationLaw Equal OpportunitiesDefence Health Social SecurityTourism

Different types of Bills When the Scottish Parliament was set up, one of the key principles was the sharing of power. In turn, Bills can be introduced in a number of ways. 4 types of Bill: (Government) Bills Committee Bills Members Bills Private Bills

(Government) Bills – introduced by the Scottish Government and make up the majority of the legislation. Committee Bills – introduced by a committee.

Members’ Bills – each MSP has the right to introduce 2 Bills during one parliamentary session. Private Bills – introduced by an individual, a group or a company. A private Bill allows a person or organisation to get benefits that are in addition or in conflict with the general law.