What do MSPs do?
There are two types of MSP
· Constituency MSPs are elected to represent one of Scotland’s 73 constituencies
o The MSP for Linlithgo Constituency is Mary Mulligan
· Regional (or List) MSPs are elected to represent one of Scotland’s 8 regions. Linlithgo constituency is in the Lothians Region
o Each region had 7 regional MSPs
Constituency and Regional MSPs perform the same roles.
MSPs represent their constituents on matters that can be decided by the Scottish Parliament, such as education, health and the environment. As well as representing the people in a particular area, MSPs can speak on issues in debates and most are members of at least one of the Scottish
Parliament committees.
MSPs generally spend Mondays and Fridays working in their constituencies. The main parliamentary business days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, when MSPs attend committee meetings and debates in the Chamber. In addition, many MSPs are invited to speak at meetings and hold
constituency surgeries in the evenings and at weekends.
Work in the Scottish Parliament
MSPs can:
· lodge a motion for debate in the Parliament
· speak in a debate
· introduce a bill to change the law
· propose an amendment to a bill
· ask a question of the Scottish Government
· refer matters to, or ask questions of, another person or organisation.
Work in the Constituency
MSPs can:
· Hold regular surgeries to listen to the concerns of their constituents
· Fact finding visits
· Attending meetings e.g. with local pressure groups or campaigns
· Making public appearances, e.g. visiting schools
Activities
1. Explain the difference between a Constituency and Regional MSP
2. When do MSPs work in the Scottish Parliament?
3. Choose 4 actions an MSP can take in the Scottish Parliament. Explain how each one allows them to represent their constituents
4. Explain how the constituency work of MSP helps them represent their constituents
Homework: Research the work of Mary Mulligan MSP. E.g.
· committee membership
· Questions asked in the Scottish Parliament
· Motions/debates
· Constituency work