3.2Referendums, and how they are used (EOY)

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
• getting a government out of s difficult situation
• a result of a deal between political parties
• in response to pressure

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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