Devolution
Devolution - paragraph completion
3 paragraphs argue one side. You write the rebuttal and the interim judgement.
How this works. Each pre-written opening argues one side of the theme. Your job is the rebuttal: answer it with the named cases, then end on an interim judgement. Your writing saves on this device.
Paragraph 1 · theme: Real power transferred
Evaluate the view that devolution has strengthened the United Kingdom.
The opening (given) - rebut this
Real power transferred is often used to argue the view. England: No English parliament; metro mayors hold budgets, not law-making power. Internal Market Act (2020): Constrains devolved regulation through mutual-recognition rules. Read alone, these make the case look one-sided.
Your task - write the rebuttal
Answer back using the cases that point the other way: Scotland (1998-2016) (Primary law-making across health, education and justice plus full income tax rates and bands (Scotland Acts 1998-2016).); Wales (1998-2017) (From secondary powers (1998) to a reserved-powers parliament (Wales Act 2017) with income tax powers since 2019.); Northern Ireland (1998) (Primary powers in health, education and justice - inside a mandatory power-sharing executive.). Finish with an interim judgement that backs your line of argument.
Paragraph 2 · theme: Democratic mandate
Evaluate the view that devolution has strengthened the United Kingdom.
The opening (given) - rebut this
Democratic mandate is often used to argue the view. Wales (1998-2017): Only 50.3% Yes on a 50% turnout in 1997 - the weakest founding mandate; repaired by 63% Yes in 2011. England: The 2004 North East referendum rejected a regional assembly by 78%. Internal Market Act (2020): Passed over the objection of all three devolved legislatures. Read alone, these make the case look one-sided.
Your task - write the rebuttal
Answer back using the cases that point the other way: Northern Ireland (1998) (The Good Friday Agreement 1998 was approved by referendum on both sides of the border.); Scottish referendum (2014) (85% turnout - the strongest democratic exercise in modern UK history.); Scotland (1998-2016) (74% Yes in the 1997 referendum; Holyrood elected by AMS.). Finish with an interim judgement that backs your line of argument.
Paragraph 3 · theme: Policy divergence
Evaluate the view that devolution has strengthened the United Kingdom.
The opening (given) - rebut this
Policy divergence is often used to argue the view. Northern Ireland (1998): Divergence is limited by collapse - the institutions spent years suspended. England: English policy is UK government policy - no separate English voice. Internal Market Act (2020): Limits practical divergence in goods and services. Read alone, these make the case look one-sided.
Your task - write the rebuttal
Answer back using the cases that point the other way: Scotland (1998-2016) (Free university tuition and minimum unit alcohol pricing - visibly different from England.); Wales (1998-2017) (Free prescriptions and a distinct path in health and education.). Finish with an interim judgement that backs your line of argument.