3.1 Referendums Flashcards
Evaluate the view that referendums have more advantages than disadvantages (30)
✅ Yes, referendums improve democracy and political engagement
Empower citizens between elections
E: Referendums involve the public in key decisions beyond General Elections
EX: Brexit and Scottish Independence referendums had high turnout and strong engagement
L: Boosts legitimacy and accountability, checks ‘elective dictatorship’
Legitimise major constitutional change
E: Used to approve devolution, AV system, Brexit
EX: 1998 Good Friday Agreement secured 71% Yes on 81% turnout
L: Harder to reverse changes once backed by public mandate
Increase political awareness and participation
E: Campaigns promote issue-based learning and discussion
EX: 2014 Scotland vote sparked debate on EU, currency, and nuclear deterrent
L: Informed citizens strengthen democracy
Well-regulated process
E: Electoral Commission ensures neutrality and spending limits
EX: 2016 question was reworded for balance after EC review
L: Regulation promotes fairness and trust in the outcome
🧾 Mini Conclusion (Yes): Referendums can deepen democracy by involving citizens directly in landmark decisions and increasing political understanding.
❌ No, referendums can undermine representative democracy and cause harm
Undermine parliamentary sovereignty
E: MPs are elected to make complex decisions
EX: 2016 referendum forced Parliament into years of gridlock
L: Direct democracy can conflict with the representative model
Campaigns are vulnerable to misinformation
E: Public misled by simple slogans and false claims
EX: £350m/week for NHS claim in Brexit campaign
L: Voters may decide based on emotion, not facts
Can be divisive and destabilising
E: Create long-term political and social rifts
EX: Brexit split parties, generations, and regions for years
L: Can weaken social cohesion and political stability
Turnouts can be low and outcomes unrepresentative
E: Welsh devolution 1997 had <50% turnout
EX: Big decisions made with weak mandates undermine legitimacy
L: Lack of engagement dilutes democratic value
🧾 Mini Conclusion (No): Referendums can disrupt parliamentary government, spread misinformation, and fracture society, limiting their democratic benefit.
Evaluate the view that increased use of referendums would improve democracy in the UK (30)
✅ Yes, more referendums = more democracy
Enables continuous public input
E: Citizens consulted more often, not just every 5 years
EX: Local mayor referendums give choice on local leadership
L: Keeps governments accountable and strengthens mandate
Gives legitimacy to major changes
E: Big reforms like devolution and Brexit legitimised by public vote
EX: 2014 Scotland vote → more devolution powers promised
L: Public endorsement anchors long-term change
Encourages active citizenship
E: Referendums can stimulate civic education and political literacy
EX: 2016 Brexit and 2014 IndyRef energised new voters
L: More referendums = more engaged and informed public
🧾 Mini Conclusion (Yes): Regular referendums deepen public participation and legitimacy of reforms — enriching democratic practice.
Evaluate the view that referendums have a positive impact on UK politics (30)
✅ Yes, they increase legitimacy, engagement, and trust
Boost legitimacy for major changes
E: Voter consent strengthens democratic accountability
EX: Good Friday Agreement supported by 71% in Northern Ireland
L: Easier to implement change when backed by clear mandate
Increase voter engagement and awareness
E: Encourage public debate on specific issues
EX: Scottish Independence raised awareness of fiscal autonomy, Trident
L: Politicises issues often overlooked in General Elections
Respond to public pressure and give voice to ignored concerns
E: Brexit referendum responded to public Euroscepticism
EX: UKIP pressure led to major democratic turning point
L: Can correct failings in party representation
🧾 Mini Conclusion (Yes): Referendums encourage issue-based democracy, improve legitimacy of reform, and empower voters to drive change.
❌ No, overuse weakens democracy
Undermines elected representatives
E: Parliament exists to scrutinise and decide on complex policy
EX: Brexit revealed tension between public will and MP judgment
L: Frequent referendums dilute representative accountability
Can be used for political advantage
E: Governments use referendums to settle internal disputes or neutralise opponents
EX: 2011 AV vote used to pacify Lib Dems in coalition
L: Undermines integrity of referendums as tools for real reform
Low engagement if overused
E: Public may become apathetic to frequent referendums
EX: Local mayoral referendums had 25–30% turnout in some areas
L: Leads to fatigue, disinterest, and shallow outcomes
🧾 Mini Conclusion (No): While democratic in theory, excessive referendums risk weakening Parliament, distorting decision-making, and alienating voters.
❌ No, they’ve had negative effects on UK politics
Fuel division and polarisation
E: Creates binary splits on complex issues
EX: Brexit and IndyRef created enduring political fractures
L: Harder to reach consensus or compromise post-referendum
Empower populism and misinformation
E: Emotive slogans win over reasoned debate
EX: “Take Back Control” played on identity, not policy facts
L: Undermines informed political discourse
Disrupt representative governance
E: Parliament and referendum mandates often conflict
EX: 2016 Brexit created 4 years of legislative chaos
L: Tensions weaken the effectiveness of Parliament
🧾 Mini Conclusion (No): Referendums have often disrupted governance and promoted division, with outcomes shaped more by emotion than informed choice.
