Electoral systems Flashcards
1
Q
Define referendum.
A
A public vote on a single issue
2
Q
How many nationwide referendums have there been?
A
2
3
Q
How many of the 11 referendums have been about a constitutional issue?
A
10
4
Q
Give an example of the constitutional issues referendums have been about in the past.
A
Distribution of power between:
- supernational
- EEC
- National
- subnational
- devolved parliaments
- institutions
5
Q
Why have referendums become more popular in Britain?
A
- Have a place in constitution (regulated by Electoral commission according to political Parties, Elections and Act 2000)
- Reflects desire of electorate to be more involved
6
Q
What were Clement Atlee’s views on referendums?
A
“alien to our traditions” due to their undermining of parliamentary sovereignty (result of transfer of power to EU)
