Democracy+Referendums Flashcards
What did Anglo-Irish Edmund Burke say about representative democracy in 1774?
‘Your representative owes you not his industry only but his judgement’
Where is the origins for direct democracy?
classical Athens c.500bc
What is a referendum?
a referendum is a vote on a single issue normally in the form of a question requiring a yes or no answer
What was there a referendum for in Eire in 1995?
to legalise divorce
How many referendums a year are there in Switzerland?
about 4
What was the percentage of yes and no in Switzerland when there was a referendum on whether to join the UN?
55%-yes
45%- no
In what place for example can petition for a referendum if they get enough signatures?
some US states
What Proposition 184 in California?
they created a 25 year sentence for those convicted of a serious felony for the 3rd time
In Italy, how many people need to support the want of a referendum for one to happen?
500,000
What is New Zealands Citizens Initiated Referenda Act 1993?
a non-binding referendum only requires 10% of electorate support
What did Clement Attlee say about referendums in the 1940’s?
‘alien to our traditions’
Why can referendums undermine our government?
We elect government to make decisions on our behalf as a representative democracy
When in the UK will a referendum take place?
when there is a major constitutional change
What was the % of no to yes vote in May 2011 or a proposed AV voting for elections to Westminster Parliament ? what was the turnout ?
yes- 32%
no-68%
turnout-42%
How do referendums offer a more direct form of democracy?
They encourage participation by allowing citizens to have a real input on key decisions that matter to them (e.g adoption of the euro)