The politics of Scotland operate within the constitution of the United Kingdom, of which Scotland is a country. Scotland is a democracy, being represented in both the Scottish Parliament and the Parliament of the United Kingdom since the Scotland Act 1998. Most executive power is exercised by the Scottish Government, led by the First Minister of Scotland, the head of government in a multi-party system. The judiciary of Scotland, dealing with Scots law, is independent of the legislature and the Scottish Government. Scots law is primarily determined by the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Government shares some executive powers with the Scotland Office, a British government department led by the Secretary of State for Scotland.
The pre-union Kingdom of Scotland's government met at Parliament House, Edinburgh
Dewar (left) with Queen Elizabeth II and Presiding Officer David Steel (right) at the opening of the Scottish Parliament, July 1999
The Second Salmond government was the first Scottish Government to achieve a majority in the Scottish Parliament
Then–Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon signs the Scottish Independence Referendum Act 2013 to allow for a referendum on independence in 2014
The Scottish Government is the devolved government of Scotland. It was formed in 1999 as the Scottish Executive following the 1997 referendum on Scottish devolution. Amongst its areas for responsibility of decision making and domestic policy in the country include the economy, education system, health care, justice and the legal system, rural affairs, housing, the crown estate, the environment, the fire service, equal opportunities, the transportation network and tax, amongst others.
Following the Scotland Act 1998, Donald Dewar became First Minister and led the first Scottish Government since 1707
Bills introduced by the Scottish Government are debated in the Scottish Parliament, and must receive a majority in favour of a bill becoming law
Proposed government legislation and government conduct can be scrutinised by parliamentary committees
Bute House in Edinburgh is the official residence of the first minister