A Model Constitution for Scotland
Making Democracy Work in an Independent State
Will be published approx. on 1. March 2012
Book
Paperback/Softback
128 pages
978-1-908373-13-7 (ISBN)
Description
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
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
Reviews / Votes
Bulmer poses the greatest question for an Independent Scotland: how will Scotland be governed? ... A Model Constitution raises this question and presents a starting point for the immense task of writing Scotland's Constitution. For this reason A Model Constitution is necessary reading for all those debating Scotland's future. THOUGHTSFROMTHEKELVIN.WORDPRESSMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
250 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-908373-13-7 (9781908373137)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
07/2013
Luath Press
€9.59
Available for download
Person
ELLIOT BULMER graduated with an MA(Hons) in Arabic and Politics from the University of Edinburgh in 2000, and then joined the Royal Navy as a Logistics Officer. He saw service at sea in ships and submarines and spent six months leading a special operations (PSYOPS) team in Iraq. On leaving the Navy in 2006 he embarked on postgraduate studies at the University of Glasgow, focusing on constitutional design, while teaching undergraduate courses in comparative politics, history of political thought and nationalism. In addition to his research, teaching and writing, he has since 2008 been involved in the Constitutional Commission, of which he is currently Research Director and Vice-President. He is married and lives in Dunblane, where he enjoys communing with nature, reading, real ale and learning the banjo.
Content
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
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