3.2 Referendums and how they are used

Question 1

Why have referendums been used in the UK?

Answer 1

• Provide legitimacy to major constitutional changes
• Resolve major constitutional disputes
• Settle disputes within the governing political party
• Coalition government negotiations
• To fulfil party manifesto pledges

Question 2

What is a referendum?

Answer 2

A popular vote on a single issue, a major modern day example of direct democracy

Question 3

What did Clement Attlee describe referendums as?

Answer 3

• ‘Alien’
• ‘Instrument of nazism and fascism’

Question 4

What is Parliament supposed to be seen as?

Answer 4

Politically sovereign

Question 5

Because we do not have a ________ __________ then there are no rules that govern when a referendum can be used

Answer 5

Codified constitution

Question 6

Define a binding referendum

Answer 6

• Ties the hands of the government
• Must go ahead with whatever the public debate
• Results must be made policy

Question 7

Define an advisory referendum

Answer 7

Gives the government a sense of official public opinion but it does not require them to act on it

Question 8

Name four advantages of referendums

Answer 8

• Provide a clear answer to a specific question
• Encourages political participation
• Forces policy makers to explain their policy
• Some decisions need endorsement

Question 9

Name four disadvantages of a referendum

Answer 9

• Undermines Parliamentary sovereignty
• Voters show little desire to participate
• Create political uncertainty
• Decisions bind future generations

Question 10

Describe the turnout and result of the 2016 Brexit referendum

Answer 10

• 72% turnout
• 52% leave
• 48% stay

Question 11

Describe the turnout and result of the Scottish Independence referendum

Answer 11

• 84% turnout
• 44% yes
• 55% no

Question 12

Describe the turnout and result of the 1998 London Mayoral referendum

Answer 12

• 34% turnout
• 72% yes
• 28% no