A Model Constitution for Scotland

A Model Constitution for Scotland sets out a workable model for Scotland's future and includes detailed constitutional proposals and informed discussion on the topic.

*The independence debate has to break out of political elites and address the 'after independence' question. Elliot Bulmer's book is an important contribution to this exploring how we make Scotland constitutionally literate, and how we shape our politics in a way which reflects who we are and what we aspire to be. Bulmer rightly argues that independence has to aspire to more than abolishing reserved powers, Holyrood becoming a mini-Westminster, and nothing else changing. A must read for independentistas, thoughtful unionists and democrats.
*Gerry Hassan, author and broadcaster.

BACK COVER:
Scotland is a free, sovereign and independent commonwealth. Its form of government is a parliamentary democracy based upon the sovereignty of the people, social justice, solidarity, and respect for human rights...

The constitutional debate in Scotland has, until now, focused primarily on the relationship between Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. This treatise goes beyond the sterile arguments of nationalists and unionists to envision a new and more democratic political system constructed in an independent state. W. Elliot Bulmer

A Model Constitution for Scotland sets out a workable model for Scotland's future and includes detailed constitutional proposals and informed discussion on the topic.

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Contenu

Contents 6 Acknowledgements 7 The Constitutional Commission 9 Preface 11 Introduction 21 Part One: Introductory Notes 23 Section 1: A Civic Approach to Democracy 31 Section 2: What is a Constitution? 35 Section 3: Consensus vs Majoritarian Democracy 43 Section 4: A Normal European Democracy 53 Part Two: Explanatory Notes 55 Preliminaries 57 Head of State 65 Parliament 77 Council of Ministers 87 Judiciary 90 Local Government 98 Ombudsman, Auditor-General and Independent Commissions 100 Fundamental Rights and Freedoms 108 Miscellaneous Provisions 111 Adoption and Amendment of the Constitution 113 Final Considerations 116 End Notes 119 A Model Constitution in Scotland