Which of the following is a power of the First Minister?

The power to appoint Cabinet Secretaries and Government Ministers is a key responsibility of the First Minister in Scotland. The First Minister leads the Scottish Government and has the authority to select individuals for these senior roles, allowing them to shape government policy and implement the administration's agenda. This power is crucial for effective governance as it allows the First Minister to build a team that aligns with their political vision and priorities.

In contrast, local government laws are typically created at the local council level, reflecting community-specific needs and conditions, which does not fall under the First Minister's direct authority. The First Minister also does not have direct control over education policy; while education is a devolved matter within the Scottish Parliament, specific policies are often influenced by broader legislative actions and stakeholder input. Similarly, the oversight of Scotland's judicial system is primarily the responsibility of the judiciary itself, maintaining judicial independence from the government to uphold the rule of law.