Scotland (Royal Prerogative)

Scotland (Alba in Gaelic) is a European nation, located in the British Isles to the north of England. Scotland has been an independent nation for over a thousand years; its proximity to, and economic and political links with, its neighbour England has shaped much of its history. Scotland also has a long history of association with France. This association was brought to an end during the Great European War in 1936, when Scotland sided against France for the first time in centuries.

Government
Scotland is a monarchy, though power is shared between the monarch, currently King James XII, and the elected Parliament, headed by a First Minister. The King and Parliament have historically quarrelled for control and squabbled over their powers; the Statute of Perth finally concluded this argument and laid down the exact powers of each. Only Parliament may raise revenue (including taxes) or declare war, the King is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and the supreme executive authority. The present First Minister is Alex Salmond, of the Scottish People's Party.