The devolved Scottish Parliament is a key institution within the political system of Scotland. Established in 1999, it is responsible for the governance of Scotland and has the power to make laws and decisions on a range of issues that affect the lives of people living in Scotland.
The devolved Scottish Parliament is a unicameral body, meaning it has only one chamber. It is made up of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), who are elected by the people of Scotland to represent their interests. The MSPs are elected through a system of proportional representation, which means that the number of MSPs each political party has is roughly proportional to the number of votes they received in the election.
The devolved Scottish Parliament has the power to legislate on a range of issues, including health, education, justice, the environment, and transport. It also has the power to raise and spend money through the Scottish budget. However, it does not have the power to make decisions on foreign affairs, defence, or monetary policy, which are reserved to the UK Parliament in Westminster.
The devolved Scottish Parliament is led by the First Minister of Scotland, who is elected by the MSPs and is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of the Scottish Government. The First Minister is supported by a Cabinet of Ministers, who are responsible for specific policy areas and the day-to-day running of the Scottish Government.
One of the key features of the devolved Scottish Parliament is its commitment to openness and transparency. All meetings of the Parliament and its committees are open to the public, and the proceedings of the Parliament are broadcast live on television and online.
In conclusion, the devolved Scottish Parliament is a vital institution that plays a central role in the governance of Scotland. It has the power to make decisions on a range of issues that affect the lives of people living in Scotland and is committed to openness and transparency in its decision-making processes.