HOW MSPS REPRESENTS THEIR

CONSTITUENTS IN PARLIAMENT

MSPS The role of an MSP is something that we covered in S3. Think back to the task where you completed the diary on a day in the life of an MSP. Watch this short clip to remind you about their responsibilities and how they represent you;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zj37hyc/revision/4

Outside parliament, they can for example attend meetings and surgeries

Write and respond to correspondence

Lobby (try to persuade) important decision takers

MSPS

•Voters in Scotland have eight potential MSPs (one constituency and seven from the regional list) they can contact regarding any of the devolved powers

MSPs can represent voters over less local issues such as the health service, the environment and farming but can also act on behalf of their electors in a number of other ways:

I. writing to or meeting with a relevant Cabinet Secretary or Minister

II. speaking in Parliament during debates

III. asking questions during First Minister's Questions (FMQs)

IV. introducing Members Bills on topics of concern to their constituents

V. lobbying other organisations (such as local councils, health boards) and individuals on behalf of their constituents

VI. raising the profile of an issue in the media

Surgery – These are held throughout the constituency during the month in well known locations (communtiy centres etc)

Visiting schools and finding out young people’s issues

Roaming surgeries – This is where they will go door to door

Use of social media – Twitter, facebook etc

Emails and letters

WORK OF AN MSP MSPs work in their local areas on a Monday and a Friday There they might respond to emails, visit schools and meet with the local councillor amongst other things They work in the parliament on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday There they will work in committees and also the debating chamber

COMMITTEES

MSP’s join these to research and debate issues in more detail They can be on subjects such as education, health and justice Committees are where a lot of the parliaments work is carried out

DEBATING CHAMBER Ask questions to members of the government including the First Minister

Debate proposed bills (ideas for laws)

Vote on issues

Suggest amendments (changes) to laws

Put forward motions (ideas) to be debated

QUESTION Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) represent their constituents in the Scottish Parliament.

Describe, in detail, the ways in which MSPs can represent their constituents in Holyrood. 4marks

Remember the key to an excellent pass is to Point Explain Example

Alternatively you can create a spider diagram highlighting 5 roles of an MSP.