Following a referendum in 1997, in which the Scottish electorate voted for devolution, the current Parliament was convened by the Scotland Act 1998, which sets out its powers as a devolved legislature. The Act delineates the legislative competence of the Parliament – the areas in which it can make laws – by explicitly specifying powers that are "reserved" to the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Scottish Parliament has the power to legislate in all areas that are not explicitly reserved to Westminster. The British Parliament retains the ability to amend the terms of reference of the Scottish Parliament, and can extend or reduce the areas in which it can make laws. The first meeting of the new Parliament took place on 12 May 1999.
When was the current parliament of Scotland convened?
Ground Truth Answers: Following a referendum in 199719981998
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What act set out the Parliament's powers as a devolved legislature?
Ground Truth Answers: Scotland Act 1998Scotland Act 1998Scotland Act
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The legislative competence of the Parliament species what areas?
Ground Truth Answers: in which it can make lawsthe areas in which it can make lawspowers that are "reserved" to the Parliament of the United Kingdom
Prediction:
To what body are certain powers explicitly specified as being reserved for?
Ground Truth Answers: Parliament of the United KingdomParliament of the United KingdomThe British Parliament
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The Scottish Parliament may legislate as it pleases as long as the powers aren't already reserved by where?
Ground Truth Answers: WestminsterWestminsterWestminster
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What act convened the old parliament of Scotland?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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When was the old parliament of Scotland convened?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What parliament has no power to legislate in any areas?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Which parliament has no ability to amend the terms of reference of the Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The meeting of the what took place on 12 March 1999?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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For the next three hundred years, Scotland was directly governed by the Parliament of Great Britain and the subsequent Parliament of the United Kingdom, both seated at Westminster, and the lack of a Parliament of Scotland remained an important element in Scottish national identity. Suggestions for a 'devolved' Parliament were made before 1914, but were shelved due to the outbreak of the First World War. A sharp rise in nationalism in Scotland during the late 1960s fuelled demands for some form of home rule or complete independence, and in 1969 prompted the incumbent Labour government of Harold Wilson to set up the Kilbrandon Commission to consider the British constitution. One of the principal objectives of the commission was to examine ways of enabling more self-government for Scotland, within the unitary state of the United Kingdom. Kilbrandon published his report in 1973 recommending the establishment of a directly elected Scottish Assembly to legislate for the majority of domestic Scottish affairs.
What remained an important issue in Scottish national identity for many years?
Ground Truth Answers: lack of a Parliament of Scotlandthe lack of a Parliament of Scotlandthe lack of a Parliament of Scotland
Prediction:
How many hundred of years was Scotland directly governed by the parliament of Great Britain?
Ground Truth Answers: three hundredthree hundred yearsthree hundred years
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Why were the initial suggestions for a devolved parliament before 1914 shelved?
Ground Truth Answers: First World War.First World Warthe outbreak of the First World War
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When was there a sharp rise in nationalism in Scotland?
Ground Truth Answers: the late 1960slate 1960slate 1960s
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What did Kllbrandon's report in 1973 recommend establishing?
Ground Truth Answers: directly elected Scottish Assemblydirectly elected Scottish Assemblya directly elected Scottish Assembly
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What was not considered an important element in Scottish national identity?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The Second World War caused what to be shelved?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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A decline in Scottish nationalism during the 1960s fueled what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The only objective of the Kilbrandon Commission was what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Harold Wilson published a report in what year?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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During this time, the discovery of oil in the North Sea and the following "It's Scotland's oil" campaign of the Scottish National Party (SNP) resulted in rising support for Scottish independence, as well as the SNP. The party argued that the revenues from the oil were not benefitting Scotland as much as they should. The combined effect of these events led to Prime Minister Wilson committing his government to some form of devolved legislature in 1974. However, it was not until 1978 that final legislative proposals for a Scottish Assembly were passed by the United Kingdom Parliament.
Which sea was oil discovered in?
Ground Truth Answers: NorthNorth Seathe North Sea
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What campaigh did the Scottish National Party (SNP) run?
Ground Truth Answers: "It's Scotland's oil"It's Scotland's oil"It's Scotland's oil"
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What did the SNP publicly opine about the oil revenues?
Ground Truth Answers: not benefitting Scotland as much as they shouldnot benefitting Scotland as much as they shouldthe revenues from the oil were not benefitting Scotland as much as they should
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When did Prime Minister Wilson commit to some form of devolved legislature?
Ground Truth Answers: 197419741974
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When was the final legislative proposals for a Scottish Assembly passed?
Ground Truth Answers: 197819781978
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Discovery of gas in the North Sea resulted in what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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President Wilson committed his government to what in 1974?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Final proposals for a Scottish Assembly were passed by the United States Parliament in what year?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The "It's Scotland's oil" campaign resulted from the discovery of what in the South Sea?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Under the terms of the Scotland Act 1978, an elected assembly would be set up in Edinburgh provided that the majority of the Scottish electorate voted for it in a referendum to be held on 1 March 1979 that represented at least 40% of the total electorate. The 1979 Scottish devolution referendum to establish a devolved Scottish Assembly failed. Although the vote was 51.6% in favour of a Scottish Assembly, this figure did not equal the 40% of the total electorate threshold deemed necessary to pass the measure, as 32.9% of the eligible voting population did not, or had been unable to, vote.
Where was an elected assembly to be set up, under the terms of the Scotland Act of 1978?
Ground Truth Answers: EdinburghEdinburghEdinburgh
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How many of the Scottish electorate would need to for it on the referendum?
Ground Truth Answers: majority40%at least 40%
Prediction:
How did trying to establish a devolved Scottish Assembly go in 1979?
Ground Truth Answers: failedfailedfailed
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What percentage of the vote for a Scottish Assembly in favor of it?
Ground Truth Answers: 51.6%51.6%51.6%
Prediction:
What percentage of Scotland's voting population failed to actually vote?
Ground Truth Answers: 32.9%32.9%32.9%
Prediction:
51.6% was not in favor of what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Under the Scotland Act of 1988, what would be set up in Edinburgh?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The referendum to establish a devolved Scottish Assembly succeeded in what year?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What percentage of the non-eligible voting population did not vote?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, demand for a Scottish Parliament grew, in part because the government of the United Kingdom was controlled by the Conservative Party, while Scotland itself elected relatively few Conservative MPs. In the aftermath of the 1979 referendum defeat, the Campaign for a Scottish Assembly was initiated as a pressure group, leading to the 1989 Scottish Constitutional Convention with various organisations such as Scottish churches, political parties and representatives of industry taking part. Publishing its blueprint for devolution in 1995, the Convention provided much of the basis for the structure of the Parliament.
In the range between 1980 and 1990, what did demand for grow?
Ground Truth Answers: a Scottish ParliamentScottish ParliamentScottish Parliament grew
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Whose control of the UK's government helped fuel a desire for a Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: the Conservative PartyConservative Partythe Conservative Party
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When was the Scottish Constitutional Convention held?
Ground Truth Answers: 198919891989
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What provided much of the basis for the structure of the Parliament in 1995?
Ground Truth Answers: blueprintblueprintthe Convention
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Demand for a Scottish Parliament declined in what year?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The 1989 Scottish Constitutional Convention provided very little basis for the structure of what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The Campaign for Constitutional Convention was initiated as what type of group?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who published its blueprint for devotion in 1995?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Since September 2004, the official home of the Scottish Parliament has been a new Scottish Parliament Building, in the Holyrood area of Edinburgh. The Scottish Parliament building was designed by Spanish architect Enric Miralles in partnership with local Edinburgh Architecture firm RMJM which was led by Design Principal Tony Kettle. Some of the principal features of the complex include leaf-shaped buildings, a grass-roofed branch merging into adjacent parkland and gabion walls formed from the stones of previous buildings. Throughout the building there are many repeated motifs, such as shapes based on Raeburn's Skating Minister. Crow-stepped gables and the upturned boat skylights of the Garden Lobby, complete the unique architecture. Queen Elizabeth II opened the new building on 9 October 2004.
Where has the official home of the Scottish Parliament been since 2004?
Ground Truth Answers: Scottish Parliament BuildingScottish Parliament BuildingEdinburgh
Prediction:
Who designed the Scottish Parliament building?
Ground Truth Answers: Enric MirallesEnric MirallesEnric Miralles
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What nationality is the architect Enric Miralles?
Ground Truth Answers: SpanishSpanishSpanish
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What shape are some of the buildings in the Parliament complex?
Ground Truth Answers: leaf-shapedleaf-shapedleaf-shaped buildings
Prediction:
Who opened the new Parliament building on October 9, 2004?
Ground Truth Answers: Queen Elizabeth IIQueen Elizabeth IIQueen Elizabeth II
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Since 1904, the home of Scottish Parliament has been where?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What complex features flower-shaped buildings?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The down turned boat skylights are located in what lobby?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Queen Elizabeth I opened the new Scottish Parliament Building on what date?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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French architect Enric Miralles helped design what building?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Whilst the permanent building at Holyrood was being constructed, the Parliament's temporary home was the General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Official photographs and television interviews were held in the courtyard adjoining the Assembly Hall, which is part of the School of Divinity of the University of Edinburgh. This building was vacated twice to allow for the meeting of the Church's General Assembly. In May 2000, the Parliament was temporarily relocated to the former Strathclyde Regional Council debating chamber in Glasgow, and to the University of Aberdeen in May 2002.
Where was Parliament's temporary home whilst the permanent building was being built?
Ground Truth Answers: General Assembly Hall of the Church of ScotlandGeneral Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotlandthe General Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland
Prediction:
Where were interviews held while the parliament was in its temporary building?
Ground Truth Answers: courtyardcourtyard adjoining the Assembly Hallthe courtyard
Prediction:
What was the building vacated twice to allow for?
Ground Truth Answers: meeting of the Church's General Assemblymeeting of the Church's General Assemblythe meeting of the Church's General Assembly
Prediction:
Where was Parliament temporarily relocated to in May of 2000?
Ground Truth Answers: former Strathclyde Regional Council debating chamber in Glasgowformer Strathclyde Regional Council debating chamberthe former Strathclyde Regional Council debating chamber
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In May 2002, where would you go to address the Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: University of AberdeenUniversity of Aberdeenthe University of Aberdeen
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Parliament's temporary home was on the Royal Mills in what area?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The Assembly Center was used to take what kind of photographs?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Which building was vacated three times to allow for the meeting of the Church's General Assembly?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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In May 2010, Parliament was relocated where?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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In addition to the General Assembly Hall, the Parliament also used buildings rented from the City of Edinburgh Council. The former administrative building of Lothian Regional Council on George IV Bridge was used for the MSP's offices. Following the move to Holyrood in 2004 this building was demolished. The former Midlothian County Buildings facing Parliament Square, High Street and George IV Bridge in Edinburgh (originally built as the headquarters of the pre-1975 Midlothian County Council) housed the Parliament's visitors' centre and shop, whilst the main hall was used as the Parliament's principal committee room.
Who did the Parliament rent additional buildings from?
Ground Truth Answers: City of Edinburgh CouncilCity of Edinburgh Councilthe City of Edinburgh Council
Prediction:
What former administrative building was used for the MSP's offices?
Ground Truth Answers: Lothian Regional CouncilLothian Regional CouncilLothian Regional Council on George IV Bridge
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What happened to the building on George IV Bridge when the Parliament was done with it?
Ground Truth Answers: demolisheddemolisheddemolished
Prediction:
What do the former Midlothian County Buildings face?
Ground Truth Answers: Parliament Square, High Street and George IV Bridge in EdinburghParliament Square, High Street and George IV BridgeParliament Square
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Which hall was used as Parliament's principle committee room?
Ground Truth Answers: mainmainthe main hall
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The former administrative building of the Lothian Regional Council on George V Bridge was used for what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What building was demolished in 2014?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What was originally built as headquarters of the pre-1875 Midlothian County Council?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who moved to Hollywood in 2004?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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After each election to the Scottish Parliament, at the beginning of each parliamentary session, Parliament elects one MSP to serve as Presiding Officer, the equivalent of the speaker (currently Tricia Marwick), and two MSPs to serve as deputies (currently Elaine Smith and John Scott). The Presiding Officer and deputies are elected by a secret ballot of the 129 MSPs, which is the only secret ballot conducted in the Scottish Parliament. Principally, the role of the Presiding Officer is to chair chamber proceedings and the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. When chairing meetings of the Parliament, the Presiding Officer and his/her deputies must be politically impartial. During debates, the Presiding Officer (or the deputy) is assisted by the parliamentary clerks, who give advice on how to interpret the standing orders that govern the proceedings of meetings. A vote clerk sits in front of the Presiding Officer and operates the electronic voting equipment and chamber clocks.
Who is elected to serve as the Presiding Officer at the beginning of each parliamentary session?
Ground Truth Answers: one MSPMSPMSP
Prediction:
Who is currently speaker of the Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: Tricia MarwickTricia MarwickTricia Marwick
Prediction:
What type of ballot is used to elect the Presiding Officer and deputies of the Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: secretsecreta secret ballot
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How many MSPs are there?
Ground Truth Answers: 129129129
Prediction:
Who is responsible for operating the electronic voting equipment and chamber clocks?
Ground Truth Answers: A vote clerkvote clerkvote clerk
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Parliament elects two MSPs to serve as what officers?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who are elected using an open ballot?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What type of clerk sits behind the Presiding Officer?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The former speaker of Parliament is whom?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The two former deputies of Parliament are whom?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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As a member of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body, the Presiding Officer is responsible for ensuring that the Parliament functions effectively and has the staff, property and resources it requires to operate. Convening the Parliamentary Bureau, which allocates time and sets the work agenda in the chamber, is another of the roles of the Presiding Officer. Under the Standing Orders of the Parliament the Bureau consists of the Presiding Officer and one representative from each political parties with five or more seats in the Parliament. Amongst the duties of the Bureau are to agree the timetable of business in the chamber, establish the number, remit and membership of parliamentary committees and regulate the passage of legislation (bills) through the Parliament. The Presiding Officer also represents the Scottish Parliament at home and abroad in an official capacity.
Who is responsible for ensuring the Parliament works smoothly?
Ground Truth Answers: Presiding OfficerPresiding Officerthe Presiding Officer
Prediction:
Who sets the work agenda and allocates time in the chamber?
Ground Truth Answers: the Parliamentary BureauPresiding Officerthe Parliamentary Bureau
Prediction:
How many seats must a political party have to be represented on the Parliamentary Bureau?
Ground Truth Answers: fivefive or morefive or more seats
Prediction:
Who represents the Scottish Parliament at home and abroad in an official capacity?
Ground Truth Answers: The Presiding OfficerPresiding OfficerThe Presiding Officer
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Which group sets the time agenda?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who is not responsible for ensuring Parliament runs smoothly?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who disagrees with the timetable of business in the chamber?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Which officer represents the Scottish Police Force at home and abroad?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament has seating arranged in a hemicycle, which reflects the desire to encourage consensus amongst elected members. There are 131 seats in the debating chamber. Of the total 131 seats, 129 are occupied by the Parliament's elected MSPs and 2 are seats for the Scottish Law Officers – the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General for Scotland, who are not elected members of the Parliament but are members of the Scottish Government. As such the Law Officers may attend and speak in the plenary meetings of the Parliament but, as they are not elected MSPs, cannot vote. Members are able to sit anywhere in the debating chamber, but typically sit in their party groupings. The First Minister, Scottish cabinet ministers and Law officers sit in the front row, in the middle section of the chamber. The largest party in the Parliament sits in the middle of the semicircle, with opposing parties on either side. The Presiding Officer, parliamentary clerks and officials sit opposite members at the front of the debating chamber.
What is the seating arrangement of the debating chamber?
Ground Truth Answers: hemicyclehemicyclea hemicycle
Prediction:
Why is the seating of the debating chamber arranged as it is?
Ground Truth Answers: encourage consensus amongst elected membersencourage consensus amongst elected membersreflects the desire to encourage consensus amongst elected members
Prediction:
How many seats are in the debating chamber?
Ground Truth Answers: 131131131
Prediction:
How many members in the seats of the Scottish Parliament are members of the Scottish Government?
Ground Truth Answers: 222
Prediction:
What can the non-elected members from the Scottish Government not do?
Ground Truth Answers: votevotevote
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Which parliament has seating arranged in a straight line?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
There re 231 seats in which chamber?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The Solicitor Official of Scotland has a seat in which chamber?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The Second Minister, Scottish cabinet ministers and whom sit in the front row in the debating chamber?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The smallest party in Parliament sits in the middle of what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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In front of the Presiding Officers' desk is the parliamentary mace, which is made from silver and inlaid with gold panned from Scottish rivers and inscribed with the words: Wisdom, Compassion, Justice and Integrity. The words There shall be a Scottish Parliament, which are the first words of the Scotland Act, are inscribed around the head of the mace, which has a formal ceremonial role in the meetings of Parliament, reinforcing the authority of the Parliament in its ability to make laws. Presented to the Scottish Parliament by the Queen upon its official opening in July 1999, the mace is displayed in a glass case suspended from the lid. At the beginning of each sitting in the chamber, the lid of the case is rotated so that the mace is above the glass, to symbolise that a full meeting of the Parliament is taking place.
What is the parliamentary mace made of?
Ground Truth Answers: silversilversilver and inlaid with gold
Prediction:
Where does the gold in the parliamentary mace come from?
Ground Truth Answers: Scottish riversScottish riversScottish rivers
Prediction:
What words are inscribed on the mace of parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: Wisdom, Compassion, Justice and IntegrityWisdom, Compassion, Justice and IntegrityWisdom, Compassion, Justice and Integrity
Prediction:
Who presented the mac to the Scottish Parliament when it was initially opened?
Ground Truth Answers: the Queenthe Queenthe Queen
Prediction:
What is the mace displayed in?
Ground Truth Answers: a glass case suspended from the lidglass casea glass case
Prediction:
What is inlaid with gold panned from French rivers?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The words There shall be a Scottish Parliament is inscribed around the foot of the what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What was presented to the Scottish Parliament by the Queen in 1989?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What symbolizes that a partial meeting of Parliament is taking place?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The words Wisdom, Compassion, Justice, and Integration are inscribed on what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Parliament typically sits Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from early January to late June and from early September to mid December, with two-week recesses in April and October. Plenary meetings in the debating chamber usually take place on Wednesday afternoons from 2 pm to 6 pm and on Thursdays from 9:15 am to 6 pm. Chamber debates and committee meetings are open to the public. Entry is free, but booking in advance is recommended due to limited space. Meetings are broadcast on the Parliament's own channel Holyrood.tv and on the BBC's parliamentary channel BBC Parliament. Proceedings are also recorded in text form, in print and online, in the Official Report, which is the substantially verbatim transcript of parliamentary debates.
Which month is the first in the year Parliament takes a two week vacation?
Ground Truth Answers: AprilAprilApril
Prediction:
Where do plenary meetings take place?
Ground Truth Answers: debating chamberdebating chamberWednesday afternoons
Prediction:
Who are debates and meetings open to?
Ground Truth Answers: the publicthe public.public
Prediction:
How much does it cost to gain entry to a parliament meeting?
Ground Truth Answers: freefreefree
Prediction:
What contains a nearly verbatim of parliamentary debates?
Ground Truth Answers: the Official Reportthe Official Reportthe Official Report
Prediction:
What typically sits Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Parliament typically sits from February to late what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Plenary meetings in the debating chamber usually take place on Tuesday afternoons from 1pm to what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What meetings are closed to the public?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What debates are closed to the public?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The first item of business on Wednesdays is usually Time for Reflection, at which a speaker addresses members for up to four minutes, sharing a perspective on issues of faith. This contrasts with the formal style of "Prayers", which is the first item of business in meetings of the House of Commons. Speakers are drawn from across Scotland and are chosen to represent the balance of religious beliefs according to the Scottish census. Invitations to address Parliament in this manner are determined by the Presiding Officer on the advice of the parliamentary bureau. Faith groups can make direct representations to the Presiding Officer to nominate speakers.
What day of the week does the Time for Reflection take place?
Ground Truth Answers: WednesdaysWednesdaysWednesdays
Prediction:
How long might a speaker address the members during the Time of Reflection?
Ground Truth Answers: up to four minutesup to four minutesup to four minutes
Prediction:
Because speakers are drawn from across Scotland, what do the represent the balance of?
Ground Truth Answers: religious beliefsreligious beliefsthe balance of religious beliefs
Prediction:
Who decides who gets to address the members of Parliament to share their thoughts on issues of faith?
Ground Truth Answers: Presiding OfficerPresiding Officerthe Presiding Officer
Prediction:
What can faith groups ask the Presiding Officer to do for them?
Ground Truth Answers: nominate speakersnominate speakersnominate speakers
Prediction:
The second item of business on Wednesdays is usually what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What is the name for the period when members address speakers for up to four minutes?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The first item of business in the House of Lords is usually what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Invitations to address the House of Commons are determined by whom?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The Presiding Officer (or Deputy Presiding Officer) decides who speaks in chamber debates and the amount of time for which they are allowed to speak. Normally, the Presiding Officer tries to achieve a balance between different viewpoints and political parties when selecting members to speak. Typically, ministers or party leaders open debates, with opening speakers given between 5 and 20 minutes, and succeeding speakers allocated less time. The Presiding Officer can reduce speaking time if a large number of members wish to participate in the debate. Debate is more informal than in some parliamentary systems. Members may call each other directly by name, rather than by constituency or cabinet position, and hand clapping is allowed. Speeches to the chamber are normally delivered in English, but members may use Scots, Gaelic, or any other language with the agreement of the Presiding Officer. The Scottish Parliament has conducted debates in the Gaelic language.
Who decides who gets to speak in the chamber debates?
Ground Truth Answers: The Presiding OfficerPresiding OfficerThe Presiding Officer
Prediction:
What is also decided by the Presiding Officer?
Ground Truth Answers: amount of time for which they are allowed to speakamount of time for which they are allowed to speakthe amount of time for which they are allowed to speak
Prediction:
What does the Presiding Officer try to achieve a balance of between speakers?
Ground Truth Answers: different viewpointsdifferent viewpoints and political partiesa balance between different viewpoints and political parties
Prediction:
What members typically open debates?
Ground Truth Answers: ministers or party leadersministers or party leadersministers or party leaders
Prediction:
What language other than English has the Scottish Parliament had meetings in?
Ground Truth Answers: GaelicGaelicScots, Gaelic, or any other language with the agreement of the Presiding Officer
Prediction:
The Presiding Officer tries the achieve a balance between similar viewpoints and whom?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who typically closes debates?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Closing speakers are given between 5 and how many minutes?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Succeeding speakers are usually allotted more what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The Presiding Officer can increase speaking time if what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Each sitting day, normally at 5 pm, MSPs decide on all the motions and amendments that have been moved that day. This "Decision Time" is heralded by the sounding of the division bell, which is heard throughout the Parliamentary campus and alerts MSPs who are not in the chamber to return and vote. At Decision Time, the Presiding Officer puts questions on the motions and amendments by reading out the name of the motion or amendment as well as the proposer and asking "Are we all agreed?", to which the chamber first votes orally. If there is audible dissent, the Presiding Officer announces "There will be a division" and members vote by means of electronic consoles on their desks. Each MSP has a unique access card with a microchip which, when inserted into the console, identifies them and allows them to vote. As a result, the outcome of each division is known in seconds.
What time do the MSPs normally decide on the motions and amendments from that day?
Ground Truth Answers: 5 pm5 pm5 pm
Prediction:
What is heralded by the sounding of the division bell?
Ground Truth Answers: "Decision Time"Decision Time"Decision Time"
Prediction:
What do MSPs who are not in the chamber when the division bell rings return to do?
Ground Truth Answers: votevotevote
Prediction:
How do members vote when there is a division?
Ground Truth Answers: electronic consoles on their deskselectronic consoleselectronic consoles on their desks
Prediction:
How long does it take to know the outcome of a division?
Ground Truth Answers: secondssecondsseconds
Prediction:
At 5 am, each sitting day, the MSPs decide on what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What is heralded by the sounding of the deciding bell?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
When does the Presiding Officer put motions on the questions?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
If there is no dissent, the Presiding Officer says what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The outcome of what is known in hours?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The outcome of most votes can be predicted beforehand since political parties normally instruct members which way to vote. Parties entrust some MSPs, known as whips, with the task of ensuring that party members vote according to the party line. MSPs do not tend to vote against such instructions, since those who do are unlikely to reach higher political ranks in their parties. Errant members can be deselected as official party candidates during future elections, and, in serious cases, may be expelled from their parties outright. Thus, as with many Parliaments, the independence of Members of the Scottish Parliament tends to be low, and backbench rebellions by members who are discontent with their party's policies are rare. In some circumstances, however, parties announce "free votes", which allows Members to vote as they please. This is typically done on moral issues.
What can often be predicted beforehand?
Ground Truth Answers: votesoutcome of most votesoutcome
Prediction:
Who normally instructs members how to vote?
Ground Truth Answers: political partiespolitical partiespolitical parties
Prediction:
Who has the task of ensuring party members vote according to the party line?
Ground Truth Answers: whipswhipswhips
Prediction:
What happens if a member doesn't vote the party line?
Ground Truth Answers: deselected as official party candidates during future electionsdeselected as official party candidatesdeselected as official party candidates during future elections
Prediction:
What type of issues are members typically allowed to vote as they please?
Ground Truth Answers: moralmoralmoral issues
Prediction:
What can not be mostly predicted beforehand?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who has the task of ensuring that party members don't vote according to party line?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The independence of which Parliament tends to be high?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Which type of rebellions are common in Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Immediately after Decision Time a "Members Debate" is held, which lasts for 45 minutes. Members Business is a debate on a motion proposed by an MSP who is not a Scottish minister. Such motions are on issues which may be of interest to a particular area such as a member's own constituency, an upcoming or past event or any other item which would otherwise not be accorded official parliamentary time. As well as the proposer, other members normally contribute to the debate. The relevant minister, whose department the debate and motion relate to "winds up" the debate by speaking after all other participants.
When is the Members Debate held?
Ground Truth Answers: Immediately after Decision TimeImmediately after Decision TimeImmediately after Decision Time
Prediction:
How long does the Members Debate last?
Ground Truth Answers: 45 minutes45 minutes45 minutes
Prediction:
Why are debates on proposed motions by an MSP conducted?
Ground Truth Answers: not a Scottish ministermay be of interest to a particular area such as a member's own constituencyissues which may be of interest to a particular area such as a member's own constituency
Prediction:
Who contributes to Members Business in addition to the proposer?
Ground Truth Answers: other membersother membersother members
Prediction:
What does the minister who was the catalyst of the Members Business do by speaking after everyone else?
Ground Truth Answers: winds upwinds up"winds up" the debate
Prediction:
A "Members Debate" is usually held immediately before what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Other member do not normally contribute to what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What debate lasts for 55 minutes?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What debate is a debate on a motion proposed by an MSP who is not a Scottish minister?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Much of the work of the Scottish Parliament is done in committee. The role of committees is stronger in the Scottish Parliament than in other parliamentary systems, partly as a means of strengthening the role of backbenchers in their scrutiny of the government and partly to compensate for the fact that there is no revising chamber. The principal role of committees in the Scottish Parliament is to take evidence from witnesses, conduct inquiries and scrutinise legislation. Committee meetings take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning when Parliament is sitting. Committees can also meet at other locations throughout Scotland.
Where is much of the work of the Scottish Parliament done?
Ground Truth Answers: committeecommitteein committee
Prediction:
What are committees in the Scottish Parliament compared to other systems?
Ground Truth Answers: strongerstrongerstronger in the Scottish Parliament than in other parliamentary systems
Prediction:
What is one avenue being compensated for by having committees serve such a large role?
Ground Truth Answers: no revising chamberno revising chambertake evidence from witnesses, conduct inquiries and scrutinise legislation
Prediction:
Taking evidence from witnesses is one of committees' what?
Ground Truth Answers: principal roleprincipal roleprincipal role
Prediction:
Where might committees meet outside of Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: other locations throughout Scotlandother locations throughout Scotlandother locations throughout Scotland
Prediction:
Very little of the work done by Scottish Parliament is done where?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The committees in Scottish Parliament are weaker then in other systems why?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Which group has a primary role scrutinizing witnesses?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Which group can not meet at other locations in Scotland?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Committees comprise a small number of MSPs, with membership reflecting the balance of parties across Parliament. There are different committees with their functions set out in different ways. Mandatory Committees are committees which are set down under the Scottish Parliament's standing orders, which govern their remits and proceedings. The current Mandatory Committees in the fourth Session of the Scottish Parliament are: Public Audit; Equal Opportunities; European and External Relations; Finance; Public Petitions; Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments; and Delegated Powers and Law Reform.
Who are committees comprised of?
Ground Truth Answers: a small number of MSPsa small number of MSPsa small number of MSPs
Prediction:
What do the membership of the committees reflect?
Ground Truth Answers: balance of partiesbalance of parties across Parliamentthe balance of parties across Parliament
Prediction:
Different committees have what set out in different ways?
Ground Truth Answers: functionstheir functionstheir functions
Prediction:
What type of committee is set down under the SP's standing orders?
Ground Truth Answers: MandatoryMandatoryMandatory Committees
Prediction:
What session is the Scottish Parliament in?
Ground Truth Answers: fourthfourththe fourth Session
Prediction:
What compromises a large number of MSPs?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What group's membership does not reflect the balance of parties in Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Optional Committees are committees which are set down under what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Mandatory Committees exists in the fifth session of what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Subject Committees are established at the beginning of each parliamentary session, and again the members on each committee reflect the balance of parties across Parliament. Typically each committee corresponds with one (or more) of the departments (or ministries) of the Scottish Government. The current Subject Committees in the fourth Session are: Economy, Energy and Tourism; Education and Culture; Health and Sport; Justice; Local Government and Regeneration; Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment; Welfare Reform; and Infrastructure and Capital Investment.
When are subject committees established?
Ground Truth Answers: beginning of each parliamentary sessionbeginning of each parliamentary sessionat the beginning of each parliamentary session
Prediction:
How many ministries of the Scottish government does a committee typically correspond to?
Ground Truth Answers: oneone (or moreone (or more) of the departments (or ministries) of the Scottish Government
Prediction:
Economy, Energy and Tourism is one of the what?
Ground Truth Answers: current Subject CommitteesSubject CommitteesSubject Committees
Prediction:
What is the Scottish Parliament currently in the fourth of?
Ground Truth Answers: SessionSessionSession
Prediction:
What are established at the end of each parliamentary session?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Which committees do not reflect the balance of parties across Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What type of committees exist in the fifth Session?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What committee corresponds with one or more departments in the Spanish Government?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
A further type of committee is normally set up to scrutinise private bills submitted to the Scottish Parliament by an outside party or promoter who is not a member of the Scottish Parliament or Scottish Government. Private bills normally relate to large-scale development projects such as infrastructure projects that require the use of land or property. Private Bill Committees have been set up to consider legislation on issues such as the development of the Edinburgh Tram Network, the Glasgow Airport Rail Link, the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link and extensions to the National Gallery of Scotland.
What is set up to scrutinize private bills submitted by party outsiders?
Ground Truth Answers: type of committeecommitteecommittee
Prediction:
What topic do private bills typically have?
Ground Truth Answers: large-scale development projectslarge-scale development projectslarge-scale development projects
Prediction:
Who decides how land or property is allowed to be used?
Ground Truth Answers: Scottish Government.CommitteesPrivate Bill Committees
Prediction:
What kind of committee considered legislation on the development of the Edinburgh Tram Network?
Ground Truth Answers: Private BillPrivate BillPrivate Bill Committees
Prediction:
What group is set up to scrutinize public bills submitted to the Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Public bills normally refer to large-scale what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Public Bill Committees have been set up to do what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What group is set up to scrutinize private bills submitted to the Spanish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The Scotland Act 1998, which was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom and given royal assent by Queen Elizabeth II on 19 November 1998, governs the functions and role of the Scottish Parliament and delimits its legislative competence. The Scotland Act 2012 extends the devolved competencies. For the purposes of parliamentary sovereignty, the Parliament of the United Kingdom at Westminster continues to constitute the supreme legislature of Scotland. However, under the terms of the Scotland Act, Westminster agreed to devolve some of its responsibilities over Scottish domestic policy to the Scottish Parliament. Such "devolved matters" include education, health, agriculture and justice. The Scotland Act enabled the Scottish Parliament to pass primary legislation on these issues. A degree of domestic authority, and all foreign policy, remain with the UK Parliament in Westminster. The Scottish Parliament has the power to pass laws and has limited tax-varying capability. Another of the roles of the Parliament is to hold the Scottish Government to account.
What act sets forth the functions of the Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: Scotland Act 1998The Scotland Act 1998The Scotland Act 1998
Prediction:
Who gave her royal assent to the Scotland Act of 1998?
Ground Truth Answers: Queen Elizabeth IIQueen Elizabeth IIQueen Elizabeth II
Prediction:
What does the Scotland Act of 2012 extend?
Ground Truth Answers: devolved competenciesdevolved competenciesthe devolved competencies
Prediction:
What body constitutes the supreme legislature of Scotland?
Ground Truth Answers: Parliament of the United Kingdom at WestminsterParliament of the United Kingdom at Westminsterthe Parliament of the United Kingdom at Westminster
Prediction:
Who has the role of holding the Scottish Government to account?
Ground Truth Answers: Scottish ParliamentParliamentthe Parliament
Prediction:
The Scotland Act 2002 extends the devolved what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who passed the Scotland Act of 1988?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who granted royal assent to the Scotland Act of 1988?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The Scotland Act enabled the Spanish Parliament to pass what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who has no power to pass laws?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The specific devolved matters are all subjects which are not explicitly stated in Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act as reserved matters. All matters that are not specifically reserved are automatically devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Most importantly, this includes agriculture, fisheries and forestry, economic development, education, environment, food standards, health, home affairs, Scots law – courts, police and fire services, local government, sport and the arts, transport, training, tourism, research and statistics and social work. The Scottish Parliament has the ability to alter income tax in Scotland by up to 3 pence in the pound. The 2012 Act conferred further fiscal devolution including borrowing powers and some other unconnected matters such as setting speed limits and control of air guns.
Where are reserved matters stated in the Scotland Act?
Ground Truth Answers: Schedule 5Schedule 5Schedule 5
Prediction:
If a matter is not specifically reserved, who is it devolved to?
Ground Truth Answers: Scottish ParliamentScottish Parliamentthe Scottish Parliament
Prediction:
Why do police and fire services fall under the purview of the Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: automatically devolvednot specifically reservedAll matters that are not specifically reserved are automatically devolved to the Scottish Parliament
Prediction:
How much can the SP alter income tax in Scotland?
Ground Truth Answers: up to 3 pence in the poundup to 3 pence in the poundup to 3 pence in the pound
Prediction:
Setting speed limits was one of the further devolutions which was conferred by what act?
Ground Truth Answers: 2012 Act2012 ActThe 2012 Act
Prediction:
What includes all subjects which are not stated in Schedule 6 to the Scotland Act?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who does not have the ability to alter income tax in Scotland?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who has the ability to alter income tax in Scotland by up to 33 pence?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The 2002 Act granted further fiscal devolution including what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Reserved matters are subjects that are outside the legislative competence of the Scotland Parliament. The Scottish Parliament is unable to legislate on such issues that are reserved to, and dealt with at, Westminster (and where Ministerial functions usually lie with UK Government ministers). These include abortion, broadcasting policy, civil service, common markets for UK goods and services, constitution, electricity, coal, oil, gas, nuclear energy, defence and national security, drug policy, employment, foreign policy and relations with Europe, most aspects of transport safety and regulation, National Lottery, protection of borders, social security and stability of UK's fiscal, economic and monetary system.
What is the name of matters outside the legislative ability of the Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: ReservedReservedReserved matters
Prediction:
Issues dealt with at Westminster are not ones who is able to deal with?
Ground Truth Answers: Scottish ParliamentThe Scottish ParliamentThe Scottish Parliament
Prediction:
Where are issues like abortion and drug policy legislated on?
Ground Truth Answers: WestminsterWestminsterWestminster
Prediction:
Most aspects of transport safety is a subject dealt with by whom?
Ground Truth Answers: UK Government ministersUK Government ministersWestminster
Prediction:
Unreserved matters are subjects who are where?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who is able to legislate on issues that are reserved to Westminster?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What functions usually lie with US Government ministers?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Subjects that are inside the legislative competence of the Scotland Parliament are called what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Bills can be introduced to Parliament in a number of ways; the Scottish Government can introduce new laws or amendments to existing laws as a bill; a committee of the Parliament can present a bill in one of the areas under its remit; a member of the Scottish Parliament can introduce a bill as a private member; or a private bill can be submitted to Parliament by an outside proposer. Most draft laws are government bills introduced by ministers in the governing party. Bills pass through Parliament in a number of stages:
What may be presented to Parliament in various ways?
Ground Truth Answers: BillsBillsBills
Prediction:
Who may introduce new laws or amendments to laws already on the books as a bill?
Ground Truth Answers: the Scottish GovernmentScottish Governmentthe Scottish Government
Prediction:
An MSP may introduce a bill as what?
Ground Truth Answers: a private membera private memberprivate member
Prediction:
Who may also submit private bills to Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: an outside proposeran outside proposeran outside proposer
Prediction:
How do bills pass through Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: in a number of stagesa number of stagesin a number of stages
Prediction:
Presidents in the governing party introduce what laws?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
A committee of the President can present what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
A member of what parliament can introduce a bill as a public member?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who can introduce a bill as a public member?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Stage 1 is the first, or introductory stage of the bill, where the minister or member in charge of the bill will formally introduce it to Parliament together with its accompanying documents – Explanatory Notes, a Policy Memorandum setting out the policy underlying the bill, and a Financial Memorandum setting out the costs and savings associated with it. Statements from the Presiding Officer and the member in charge of the bill are also lodged indicating whether the bill is within the legislative competence of the Parliament. Stage 1 usually takes place, initially, in the relevant committee or committees and is then submitted to the whole Parliament for a full debate in the chamber on the general principles of the bill. If the whole Parliament agrees in a vote to the general principles of the bill, it then proceeds to Stage 2.
What is stage 1 in the life of a bill?
Ground Truth Answers: introductoryintroductoryintroductory stage of the bill
Prediction:
What are presented to parliament in addition to the bill itself?
Ground Truth Answers: accompanying documentsaccompanying documentsaccompanying documents – Explanatory Notes
Prediction:
What do statements from the PO and member in charge of the bill also indicate?
Ground Truth Answers: whether the bill is within the legislative competence of the Parliamentwhether the bill is within the legislative competence of the Parliamentwhether the bill is within the legislative competence of the Parliament
Prediction:
Where are bills typically gestated in Stage 1?
Ground Truth Answers: in the relevant committee or committeescommitteethe whole Parliament
Prediction:
If Parliament agrees in a vote to the general principle of a bill, what does it then proceed to?
Ground Truth Answers: Stage 2Stage 2Stage 2
Prediction:
Stage 2 of the bill is where who is in charge of the bill?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
If none of Parliament agrees to the general principals of the bill, it proceeds to what Stage?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What stage usually takes place in the irrelevant committees?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What is submitted to only part of Parliament for a full debate?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Stage 3 is the final stage of the bill and is considered at a meeting of the whole Parliament. This stage comprises two parts: consideration of amendments to the bill as a general debate, and a final vote on the bill. Opposition members can table "wrecking amendments" to the bill, designed to thwart further progress and take up parliamentary time, to cause the bill to fall without a final vote being taken. After a general debate on the final form of the bill, members proceed to vote at Decision Time on whether they agree to the general principles of the final bill.
What is the final stage of a bill in the Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: Stage 3Stage 3Stage 3
Prediction:
How many parts does the consideration of a bill in Stage 3 have?
Ground Truth Answers: twotwotwo
Prediction:
What vote on a bill takes place in Stage 3?
Ground Truth Answers: finalfinalfinal vote
Prediction:
What type of amendments might members opposed to a bill put on the table?
Ground Truth Answers: wreckingwrecking"wrecking amendments"
Prediction:
When do members proceed to vote on whether they agree to the principles of the final bill?
Ground Truth Answers: Decision TimeDecision TimeAfter a general debate on the final form of the bill
Prediction:
Stage 4 is the final stage of what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What is considered at a meeting of part of Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
When do members vote of the beginning form of the bill?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
"Wrecking amendments" are designed to encourage further what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Royal assent: After the bill has been passed, the Presiding Officer submits it to the Monarch for royal assent and it becomes an Act of the Scottish Parliament. However he cannot do so until a 4-week period has elapsed, during which the Law Officers of the Scottish Government or UK Government can refer the bill to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom for a ruling on whether it is within the powers of the Parliament. Acts of the Scottish Parliament do not begin with a conventional enacting formula. Instead they begin with a phrase that reads: "The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on [Date] and received royal assent on [Date]".
Who does the Presiding Officer submit the final bill to?
Ground Truth Answers: the MonarchMonarchthe Monarch
Prediction:
Why is the final bill passed to the Monarch?
Ground Truth Answers: royal assentroyal assentroyal assent
Prediction:
What is the minimum amount of time before a bill can go into law?
Ground Truth Answers: a 4-week perioda 4-week period4-week period
Prediction:
Who is a bill referred to for a ruling on whether it's within the powers of the Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: Supreme Court of the United KingdomSupreme Court of the United Kingdomthe Supreme Court
Prediction:
What does the template for bills passed by the Scottish Parliament include?
Ground Truth Answers: [Date][Date]"The Bill for this Act of the Scottish Parliament was passed by the Parliament on [Date] and received royal assent on [Date]".
Prediction:
Before the bill has been passed, it becomes an Act of what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The bill is submitted to whom before it is passed?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The acts of what government begin with a conventional enacting formula?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Acts of Spanish Parliament begin with what phrase?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The US Government can refer the bill to whom?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The party, or parties, that hold the majority of seats in the Parliament forms the Scottish Government. In contrast to many other parliamentary systems, Parliament elects a First Minister from a number of candidates at the beginning of each parliamentary term (after a general election). Any member can put their name forward to be First Minister, and a vote is taken by all members of Parliament. Normally, the leader of the largest party is returned as First Minister, and head of the Scottish Government. Theoretically, Parliament also elects the Scottish Ministers who form the government of Scotland and sit in the Scottish cabinet, but such ministers are, in practice, appointed to their roles by the First Minister. Junior ministers, who do not attend cabinet, are also appointed to assist Scottish ministers in their departments. Most ministers and their juniors are drawn from amongst the elected MSPs, with the exception of Scotland's Chief Law Officers: the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General. Whilst the First Minister chooses the ministers – and may decide to remove them at any time – the formal appointment or dismissal is made by the Sovereign.
What party forms the Scottish Parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: hold the majority of seatshold the majority of seatsThe party, or parties, that hold the majority of seats in the Parliament
Prediction:
Who is elected at the beginning of each term?
Ground Truth Answers: First MinisterFirst Ministera First Minister
Prediction:
Who is eligible to toss their name in the hat to be First Minister?
Ground Truth Answers: Any memberAny memberAny member
Prediction:
Other than Scotland's Chief Law Officer, from whence are most ministers drawn from amongst?
Ground Truth Answers: elected MSPsthe elected MSPsamongst the elected MSPs
Prediction:
Who makes formal appointment or dismissal decisions?
Ground Truth Answers: the Sovereignthe Sovereignthe Sovereign
Prediction:
The parties that hold the minority of seats in Parliament form what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Parliament elects a second minister from whom?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Very few ministers are drawn from amongst whom?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The Second Minister chooses whom?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Under the Scotland Act 1998, ordinary general elections for the Scottish Parliament are held on the first Thursday in May every four years (1999, 2003, 2007 and so on). The date of the poll may be varied by up to one month either way by the Monarch on the proposal of the Presiding Officer. If the Parliament itself resolves that it should be dissolved (with at least two-thirds of the Members voting in favour), or if the Parliament fails to nominate one of its members to be First Minister within 28 days of a General Election or of the position becoming vacant, the Presiding Officer proposes a date for an extraordinary general election and the Parliament is dissolved by the Queen by royal proclamation. Extraordinary general elections are in addition to ordinary general elections, unless held less than six months before the due date of an ordinary general election, in which case they supplant it. The following ordinary election reverts to the first Thursday in May, a multiple of four years after 1999 (i.e., 5 May 2011, 7 May 2015, etc.).
What day of the week are general elections held?
Ground Truth Answers: ThursdayThursdayThursday
Prediction:
What month, every four years, are the ordinary general elections held on?
Ground Truth Answers: MayMayMay
Prediction:
Who may change the date by up to a month, on the proposal of the PO?
Ground Truth Answers: the MonarchMonarchthe Monarch
Prediction:
How many days does the Parliament have to nominate a First Minister after a General Election?
Ground Truth Answers: 282828 days
Prediction:
If an extraordinary election is held within less than six months before the date of an ordinary election, what does it do to the ordinary election?
Ground Truth Answers: supplant it.supplant itreverts to the first Thursday in May, a multiple of four years after 1999
Prediction:
Under the Scotland Act 1988, ordinary general elections are held when?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
What may be varied by up to two months?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who proposes the date of the poll not be varied?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who can propose the date of the poll be varied by up to three months?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Several procedures enable the Scottish Parliament to scrutinise the Government. The First Minister or members of the cabinet can deliver statements to Parliament upon which MSPs are invited to question. For example, at the beginning of each parliamentary year, the First Minister delivers a statement to the chamber setting out the Government's legislative programme for the forthcoming year. After the statement has been delivered, the leaders of the opposition parties and other MSPs question the First Minister on issues related to the substance of the statement.
What enables the Scottish Parliament to scrutinize the government?
Ground Truth Answers: Several proceduresSeveral proceduresSeveral procedures
Prediction:
Who can question statements the First Minister or members of the cabinet make?
Ground Truth Answers: MSPsleaders of the opposition parties and other MSPsMSPs
Prediction:
What does the First Minister deliver at the beginning of each parliamentary year?
Ground Truth Answers: legislative programme for the forthcoming yeara statementa statement to the chamber setting out the Government's legislative programme for the forthcoming year
Prediction:
What do the leaders of the opposition parties and other MSPs question the First Minister about?
Ground Truth Answers: issues related to the substance of the statementissuesissues related to the substance of the statement
Prediction:
How does the Scottish Parliament scrutinize the people?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The Second Minister can deliver what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Before the statement is delivered, who is questioned?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Whom can the Second Minister deliver statements to?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Parliamentary time is also set aside for question periods in the debating chamber. A "General Question Time" takes place on a Thursday between 11:40 a.m. and 12 p.m. where members can direct questions to any member of the Scottish Government. At 2.30pm, a 40-minute long themed "Question Time" takes place, where members can ask questions of ministers in departments that are selected for questioning that sitting day, such as health and justice or education and transport. Between 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Thursdays, when Parliament is sitting, First Minister's Question Time takes place. This gives members an opportunity to question the First Minister directly on issues under their jurisdiction. Opposition leaders ask a general question of the First Minister and then supplementary questions. Such a practice enables a "lead-in" to the questioner, who then uses their supplementary question to ask the First Minister any issue. The four general questions available to opposition leaders are:
What is set aside for question periods in the debating chamber?
Ground Truth Answers: Parliamentary timeParliamentary timeParliamentary time
Prediction:
On what day does a General Question Time take place?
Ground Truth Answers: ThursdayThursdayThursday
Prediction:
Who may members direct questions towards during General Question Time?
Ground Truth Answers: any member of the Scottish Governmentany member of the Scottish Governmentministers in departments that are selected for questioning that sitting day
Prediction:
What may members question the First Minister about directly during First Minister's Question Time?
Ground Truth Answers: issues under their jurisdictionissues under their jurisdictionthe First Minister
Prediction:
How many general questions are available to opposition leaders?
Ground Truth Answers: fourfourfour
Prediction:
What is the time when members can ask questions to only particular members of Scottiish Government?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
A 60-minute long "Question Time" takes place at what time?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The Second Minister's Question Time takes place between what times on Thursdays?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Who asks supplementary questions and then a general question of the First Minister?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Of the 129 MSPs, 73 are elected to represent first past the post constituencies and are known as "Constituency MSPs". Voters choose one member to represent the constituency, and the member with most votes is returned as a constituency MSP. The 73 Scottish Parliament constituencies shared the same boundaries as the UK Parliament constituencies in Scotland, prior to the 2005 reduction in the number of Scottish MPs, with the exception of Orkney and Shetland which each return their own constituency MSP. Currently, the average Scottish Parliament constituency comprises 55,000 electors. Given the geographical distribution of population in Scotland, this results in constituencies of a smaller area in the Central Lowlands, where the bulk of Scotland's population live, and much larger constituency areas in the north and west of the country, which have a low population density. The island archipelagos of Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles comprise a much smaller number of electors, due to their dispersed population and distance from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. If a Constituency MSP resigns from Parliament, this triggers a by-election in his or her constituency, where a replacement MSP is returned from one of the parties by the plurality system.
What is the number of Constituency MSPs?
Ground Truth Answers: 737373
Prediction:
How many members can voters choose to represent the constituency?
Ground Truth Answers: oneoneone
Prediction:
When was there a reduction in the number of Scottish MPs?
Ground Truth Answers: 200520052005
Prediction:
What is the current number of electors currently in a Scottish Parliament constituency?
Ground Truth Answers: 55,00055,00055,000
Prediction:
Why do the island archipelagos comprise a smaller number of electors?
Ground Truth Answers: dispersed population and distancedispersed population and distancetheir dispersed population and distance from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh
Prediction:
How many MSPs out of 139 are known as "Constituency MSPs"?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
How are the 83 "Constituency MSPs" chosen?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
Which islands compise a larger number of electors?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
If a Constituency MSP is forced from Parliament, what does it trigger?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
Prediction:
The total number of seats in the Parliament are allocated to parties proportionally to the number of votes received in the second vote of the ballot using the d'Hondt method. For example, to determine who is awarded the first list seat, the number of list votes cast for each party is divided by one plus the number of seats the party won in the region (at this point just constituency seats). The party with the highest quotient is awarded the seat, which is then added to its constituency seats in allocating the second seat. This is repeated iteratively until all available list seats are allocated.
How are the total numbers of seats allocated to parties?
Ground Truth Answers: proportionally to the number of votes receivedproportionally to the number of votes receivedproportionally to the number of votes received in the second vote of the ballot using the d'Hondt method
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What method is used for tallying votes in the second vote of the ballot?
Ground Truth Answers: the d'Hondt methodd'Hondtthe d'Hondt method
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The party awarded a seat is the one with the highest what?
Ground Truth Answers: quotientquotientquotient
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What set is a seat added to after being allocated?
Ground Truth Answers: constituency seatsconstituencysecond
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How is the process of allocating seats repeated until all available seats have been determined?
Ground Truth Answers: iterativelyiterativelyiteratively
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The party with the lowest quotient is awarded what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What is subtracted to its constituency seats?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What method is used in tallying votes in the first vote of the ballot?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The first vote of the ballot uses what method to tally the votes?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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As in the House of Commons, a number of qualifications apply to being an MSP. Such qualifications were introduced under the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 and the British Nationality Act 1981. Specifically, members must be over the age of 18 and must be a citizen of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, one of the countries in the Commonwealth of Nations, a citizen of a British overseas territory, or a European Union citizen resident in the UK. Members of the police and the armed forces are disqualified from sitting in the Scottish Parliament as elected MSPs, and similarly, civil servants and members of foreign legislatures are disqualified. An individual may not sit in the Scottish Parliament if he or she is judged to be insane under the terms of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.
What does being an MSP share with the House of Commons?
Ground Truth Answers: a number of qualificationsa number of qualificationsqualifications
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When was the British Nationality Act passed?
Ground Truth Answers: 198119811981
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How old most a person be to apply to be an MSP?
Ground Truth Answers: over the age of 18over the age of 1818
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Members of which organizations are disqualified from sitting in the SP as elected MSPs?
Ground Truth Answers: police and the armed forcespolice and the armed forcesthe police and the armed forces
Prediction:
What act sets the term for judging the boundaries of sanity to which individuals wishing to sit on the SP must adhere?
Ground Truth Answers: Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003
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What job requires no qualifications?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The House of Lords introduced qualifications for which position?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Which job requires that member be under 18?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Which job does not require that the member be a citizen of the UK?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The election produced a majority SNP government, making this the first time in the Scottish Parliament where a party has commanded a parliamentary majority. The SNP took 16 seats from Labour, with many of their key figures not returned to parliament, although Labour leader Iain Gray retained East Lothian by 151 votes. The SNP took a further eight seats from the Liberal Democrats and one seat from the Conservatives. The SNP overall majority meant that there was sufficient support in the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on Scottish independence.
When the election produced an SNP majority government, what was it the first occurrence of?
Ground Truth Answers: a party has commanded a parliamentary majoritya parliamentary majoritya party has commanded a parliamentary majority
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Who did the SNP obtain 16 seats from?
Ground Truth Answers: LabourLabourLabour
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By how much did Labour lead Lain Gray retain East Lothian?
Ground Truth Answers: 151 votes151 votes151 votes
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How many seats did the SNP take from the Liberal Democrats?
Ground Truth Answers: eighteighteight
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What did the result of the SNP majority allow a referendum be held on?
Ground Truth Answers: Scottish independenceScottish independenceScottish independence
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The SNP gave how many seats to Labour?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Many of whose key figures returned to parliament?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Labour leader Iain Gray gave up East Lothian by how many votes?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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The SNP gave eight seats to the Liberal who?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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For the Conservatives, the main disappointment was the loss of Edinburgh Pentlands, the seat of former party leader David McLetchie, to the SNP. McLetchie was elected on the Lothian regional list and the Conservatives suffered a net loss of five seats, with leader Annabel Goldie claiming that their support had held firm. Nevertheless, she too announced she would step down as leader of the party. Cameron congratulated the SNP on their victory but vowed to campaign for the Union in the independence referendum.
The loss of Edinburgh Pentlands really disappointed whom the most?
Ground Truth Answers: the ConservativesConservativesConservatives
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What was the seat of former party leader David McLetchie?
Ground Truth Answers: Edinburgh PentlandsEdinburgh Pentlandsformer party leader
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What net loss did the Conservatives suffer?
Ground Truth Answers: five seatsfive seatsfive seats
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Who announced she would step down as leader of the Conservatives?
Ground Truth Answers: Annabel GoldieAnnabel GoldieAnnabel Goldie
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Who congratulated the SNP while vowing to campaign against their referendum?
Ground Truth Answers: CameronCameronCameron
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For the Liberals, the main disappointment was what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Current party leader, David McLetchie lost what seat?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who was elected on the Lothian global list?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who announced that she would not step down as party leader?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who congratulated the SNP on their loss?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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A procedural consequence of the establishment of the Scottish Parliament is that Scottish MPs sitting in the UK House of Commons are able to vote on domestic legislation that applies only to England, Wales and Northern Ireland – whilst English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Westminster MPs are unable to vote on the domestic legislation of the Scottish Parliament. This phenomenon is known as the West Lothian question and has led to criticism. Following the Conservative victory in the 2015 UK election, standing orders of the House of Commons were changed to give MPs representing English constituencies a new "veto" over laws only affecting England.
What consequence of establishing the Scottish Parliament applies to Scottish MPs sitting in the UK House of Commons?
Ground Truth Answers: able to vote on domestic legislation that applies only to England, Wales and Northern Irelandable to vote on domestic legislation that applies only to England, Wales and Northern Irelandprocedural consequence
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What are MPs unable to vote upon?
Ground Truth Answers: domestic legislation of the Scottish Parliamentdomestic legislation of the Scottish Parliament.domestic legislation of the Scottish Parliament
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What phenomenon has led to criticism?
Ground Truth Answers: West Lothian questionWest Lothian questionthe West Lothian question
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What party had a victory in the 2015 UK election?
Ground Truth Answers: the ConservativeConservativeConservative
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MPs representing English constituencies can only veto laws affecting which country?
Ground Truth Answers: EnglandEnglandEngland
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The West Lutheran question is known as what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Following the Liberal victory in 2015, standing orders were changed to do what?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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Who was victorious in the 2005 UK election?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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What question has not led to criticism?
Ground Truth Answers: <No Answer>
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