The Scottish Electorate
- Anyone living in Scotland who is over 16 years old and on the Electoral Register
- The electorate vote for MSPs
MSPs
- There are 129 MSPs (Members of the Scottish Parliament) elected by the Scottish people:
- 73 constituency MSPs, and 56 regional MSPs (7 for each of the 8 regions)
- Each person therefore has 8 MSPs to represent them in Parliament.
- MSPs vote for the Presiding Officer and the First Minister
Presiding Officer
- One MSP is elected to chair the meetings of Parliament.
First Minister
- MSPs vote for the First Minister.
- The First Minister is head of the Scottish Government and has overall responsibility for the policies (proposals) of the Government.
- The First Minister must ensure that these policies are implemented (put in place).
- The First Minister represents the Government in the media and at official meetings.
- The First Minister selects the MSPs who will be in the Government.
Scottish Government
- The Scottish Government is the government in Scotland for all devolved matters.
- The Scottish Government is formed by the party or parties holding the majority of seats in Parliament.
- The MSPs in the Government are called ‘Scottish Ministers’.
Details of your Constituency and Regional MSPs including their parliamentary activities and contact details.