Arguments for and against referendums Flashcards
IN what country is there some evidence to suggest that gays and immigrants have tended to suffer when a specific issue affecting them is put to the test of public opinion?
US
generally what are 3 brief beliefs of supporters of referendums?
that they encourage participation, as an important educational device and mobilise the people
What are the 7 advantages of referenudms
- means of saving democracy
- encourages participation
- electorate become more informed
- better than general elections
- strengthen the hand of government
- good at tackling issues which divides a party
- resolves issues in a way which is final
why has there been widespread disillusion over recent years?
due to the behaviour of politicians which has declined trust
What do referendums give the electorate which saves democracy?
they give them a direct say on issues that affect their lives
How do referendums encourage participation in the political processes?
as they stimulate involvement leading to more public discussion on important issues.
What 2 countries claim that they have significantly advanced citizen understanding on issues under consideration?
Denmark and Switzerland
What do some US states provide for a referendum?
In some US states a weighty document is produced setting out the arguments and financial costs involved
How are referendums better than general elections?
this is because they can specify their views on a particular referendum. When people vote for a party manifesto in an election, they may not agree with every policy
Referendums strengthen the hand of the government, what is an example of this in British history?
PM Wilson in 1975 found it useful to be able to hand the issue of “Britain in or out of Europe” over to the public and therefore avoid upsetting his party
What did Hague and Harrop say about referendums?
“Like a plumbers drain rods, referendums solve blockages”
How were referendums good particular in the 1970’s?
as the issues of Europe and devolution were not issues on which there was a simple Conservative v Labour argument
How long did the referendums on devolution in 1979 solve this issues?
for 20 years
Why should there not be a greater use of referendums due to the fact that we have a representative democracy not a direct democracy?
this is because before legislation, MPs hear the arguments and become knowledgable about the facts and figures and are therefore in a better position than the public to vote on complex issues
What are the 6 disadvantages of referendums?
- Referendums are complex devices for the electorate
- They only tell you the state of public feeling at the time
- The questions asked can persuade the outcome
- Referendums can resolve constitutional issues but on social issues they are not satisfactory
- People might vote for the wrong reasons
- Campaigns can be expensive
