What rights and responsibilities do people have in Scotland?
Watch this video on the rights and responsibilities of people living in the UK.
Rights and responsibilities
We have different rights and freedoms depending on the country we are from. The political rights people in Scotland have are balanced by responsibilities:
| Rights | Responsibilities |
| The right to vote - In Scotland, everyone over 16 years of age and who is on the electoral register can vote in local council and Scottish Parliament elections and referenda. | People in Scotland have the responsibility to accept election results, even if they disagree with the outcome. |
| The right to freedom of speech - In Scotland, everyone has the right to speak freely about all topics in society. This includes voicing criticism or support for the government. | People in Scotland have the responsibility to refrain from using hateful or derogatory language about an individual or group in society. |
| The right to protest - In Scotland, everyone can show their views in a number of different ways - from joining pressure groups to signing petitions to marching on the street and sharing views online and in person. | People in Scotland have the responsibility to keep within the law, avoid violence or intimidation and take part in any protest using peaceful methods. |
| Freedom of association - In Scotland, people can join a political party, pressure group or trade union. | People in Scotland have the responsibility to pay their fees to the organisation and to ensure they do not damage the group's name through poor language or behaviour. |
| Rights | The right to vote - In Scotland, everyone over 16 years of age and who is on the electoral register can vote in local council and Scottish Parliament elections and referenda. |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities | People in Scotland have the responsibility to accept election results, even if they disagree with the outcome. |
| Rights | The right to freedom of speech - In Scotland, everyone has the right to speak freely about all topics in society. This includes voicing criticism or support for the government. |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities | People in Scotland have the responsibility to refrain from using hateful or derogatory language about an individual or group in society. |
| Rights | The right to protest - In Scotland, everyone can show their views in a number of different ways - from joining pressure groups to signing petitions to marching on the street and sharing views online and in person. |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities | People in Scotland have the responsibility to keep within the law, avoid violence or intimidation and take part in any protest using peaceful methods. |
| Rights | Freedom of association - In Scotland, people can join a political party, pressure group or trade union. |
|---|---|
| Responsibilities | People in Scotland have the responsibility to pay their fees to the organisation and to ensure they do not damage the group's name through poor language or behaviour. |