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'''Scottish Parliament''' is a [[devolved]] institution. It was established by the Scotland Act, 1998. The Scottish Parliament can pass laws concerning [[Scotland]] on a number of issues like education, health and housing and can raise or lower the basic rate of income tax by up to three pence in the pound. Devolution was developed in such a way that the [[Parliament]] of the [[United Kingdom]] at the [[Houses of Parliament]] in [[Westminster]] could make laws that override the acts passed by the Scottish Parliament. Such an event would lead to a serious political crisis.

'''Scottish Parliament''' is a [[Devolution | devolved]] legislative body in Scotland. It was established by the Scotland Act, 1998. The Scottish Parliament can pass laws on '''devolved matters''', which include education, health and housing and can raise or lower the basic rate of income tax by up to three pence in the pound. It cannot legislate on issues which effect the whole of the United Kingdom. These issues, like foreign affairs, defence and social security, are known as '''reserved matters'''. They are "reserved" for the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

 

Devolution was developed in such a way that the [[Parliament]] of the [[United Kingdom]] at the [[Houses of Parliament]] in [[Westminster]] could make laws that override the acts passed by the Scottish Parliament. Such an event would lead to a serious political crisis.

The Scottish Parliament is made up of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). One of the 129 MSPs is elected by the others to serve as the Presiding Officer. Two MSPs are elected as Deputy Presiding  

The Scottish Parliament is made up of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). One of the 129 MSPs is elected by the others to serve as the Presiding Officer. Two MSPs are elected as Deputy Presiding