Electoral Systems- How Referendums Have Been Used In The UK Flashcards
Years in which important referendums have been held:
1997
1997
1998
2004
2011
2014
2016
1997 Referendum
1st
Issue
Should additional powers be devolved to Scotland and a Scottish Parliament be established?
Level
Scotland
Why held
A fundamental change in the system of government needed popular consent.
Yes
74.3
No
25.7
Turnout
60.4
1997 Referendum
Issue
Should additional powers be devolved to Wales and a Welsh Assembly be established ?
Level
Wales
Why held
A fundamental change in the system of government needed popular consent.
Yes
50.3
No
49.7
Turnout
50.1
1998 Referendum
Issue
Should the Belfast Agreement be implemented?
Level
Northern Ireland
Why held
This agreement required support across the whole divided community.
Yes
71.7
No
28.9
Turnout
81.0
2004 Referendum
Issue
Should additional powers be devolved to northeast England and a regional assembly be established?
Level
Northeast England
Why held
To test support for devolution in England.
Yes
22.1
No
77.9
Turnout
47.7
2011 Referendum
Issue
Should the UK adopt the alternative hire system for general elections ?
Level
National
Why held
A referendum on this issue was contained in the coalition agreement at the insistence of the Liberal Democrats.
Yes
32.1
No
67.9
Turnout
42.2
2014 referendum
Issue
Should Scotland become a completely independent county ?
Level
Scotland
Why held
A fundamental question about who governs Scotland, which gained traction after the SNP became the majority party in the Scottish Parliament.
Yes
44.7
No
55.3
Turnout
84.6
2016 Referendum
Issue
Should the UK remain a member of the EU?
Level
National
Why held
The governing Conservative Party was split on the issue and sought to meet the electoral challenge of UKIP.
Yes
48.1%
No
51.8%
Turnout
72.2%
The reasons why referendums have been held in the UK include:
+ An issue might be divisive within government and/or within the nation, so a referendum can settle the issue and unite the population. Example: the referendum on the Belfast Agreement in Northern Ireland in 1998.
+ An issue may be of huge constitutional significance and so require the direct consent of the people. Example: the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence.
+ It helps to entrench and safeguard constitutional changes. This may be necessary when the community requires reassurance that the change is permanent. Example: the 1997 referendum on creating a Scottish Parliament.
+ To judge public opinion on an issue, especially where a change in taxation may be involved. Example: the referendum on whether to establish a North East Assembly in 2004.
