Union with Scotland (Amendment) Act 1707 facts for kids
Act of Parliament | |
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Long title | An Act for rendring the Union of the Two Kingdoms more intire and complete. |
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Citation | 6 Ann. c. 40 (Ruffhead c. 6) |
Territorial extent | England and Wales; Scotland |
Dates | |
Royal assent | 13 February 1708 |
Commencement | 23 October 1707 |
Status: Amended
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Revised text of statute as amended |
The Union with Scotland (Amendment) Act 1707 was a special law passed by the Parliament of Great Britain. This law, also known as 6 Ann. c. 40, helped make the union between England and Scotland stronger. It was an important step in how the two countries worked together.
This Act changed how Scotland was governed every day. It brought together the main councils of England and Scotland. It also set up local officials called justices of the peace in each area of Scotland. These officials helped manage local matters. This meant that the daily running of Scotland moved from politicians to the College of Justice, which is a group of courts.
Contents
What Was the Union with Scotland (Amendment) Act 1707?
This law was passed in 1707. Its main goal was to make the union between England and Scotland more complete. It changed how the government worked in Scotland.
Why Was This Act Needed?
Before this Act, England and Scotland had separate main councils. These were called the English Privy Council and the Scottish Privy Council. The Act brought these two councils together. This helped create a more unified government for Great Britain.
How Did the Act Change Scottish Government?
The Act made some big changes to how Scotland was run. It moved power from central politicians to local areas. It did this by creating justices of the peace in every shire (like a county). These local officials were in charge of daily administration. This change meant that the government of Scotland became more local. The College of Justice in Scotland took on more responsibility for managing things.
Related Laws and History
This Act is part of a larger story of how England and Scotland united. The main laws that created Great Britain were the Acts of Union 1707. This amendment Act helped to make those original union laws work better.
What Happened to Parts of This Act?
Over time, some parts of the Union with Scotland (Amendment) Act 1707 were changed or removed. This is common for old laws as governments update them. For example, some sections were repealed (canceled) by newer laws in the 1800s and 1900s.