3.2Referendums, and how they are used

Question 1

what is a referendum

Answer 1

• a vote on a particular issue simply requiring a yes or no response
• it is an eg for direct democracy within a representative system

Question 2

in what circumstances are a referendum held

Answer 2

• legitimising a major government initiative: its an accepted practise to secure public support before embarking on important constitutional changes
• getting a government out of s difficult situation: gov can maintain unity by handing decisions to public because of internal disagreement, eg Wilson in 1975
• a result of a deal between political parties: Cameron agreed to hold vote on changing electoral system because this was a demand of Liberal Democrat’s
• in response to pressure: Cameron pressured into EU referendum

Question 3

what are some referendums which have been held

Answer 3

• Brexit 2016
• scottish independence 2014
• change to electoral system, alternative vote (2011)
• London mayor and assembly 1998

Question 4

what are the advantages of referendums

Answer 4

• involver the people directly in decision making on important issues
• referendums help settle arguments and help to entrench reforms
• ## helps raise voters political awareness

Question 5

what are the disadvantages of referendums

Answer 5

• referendums are a challenge to parliament sovereignty as ordinary people lack the political knowledge
  and awareness compared to their elected mp of their constituency
  -popular participation may be low if the referendum is not clearly explained to the public
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Question 6

How did referendums originate

Answer 6

1973, voters in Northern Ireland voters asked whether to stay in UK
1975, Harold Wilson have electorate a vote on whether to stay in EEC (European economic community)

Question 7

What’s an example of people being misled in a referendum?

Answer 7

Leave campaign in brexit falsely claimed leaving would free up 350mil per week to fund the NHS

Question 8

Why was the Scottish national referendum called in 2014

Answer 8

Followed growth in popularity of SNP, indicating significant support for independence among Scottish population

Question 9

What’s an example of a referendum being called to benefit a prime ministers own party?

Answer 9

• 1975 EEC referendum, Harold Wilson’s gov and party was divided on the issue of europe, making a decision himself would’ve divided the party and risk his premiership, therefore giving decision to the people and committing to unite behind their decision conveniently avoided the party splitting

Question 10

What was the turnout of the Scottish independence referendum in 2014

Answer 10

• 84.6%, including 16+17 year olds voting

Question 11

What was the turnout of brexit

Answer 11

• 72.2%

Question 12

What was the turnout of the 2011 alternative vote referendum

Answer 12

42.2%

Question 13

Why do some referendums get a low turnout?

Answer 13

• because they may be held as a party motivation rather then due to public pressure, showing how they can be negative for democracy