Examples

Question 1

Referendums tyranny of the majority

Answer 1

1973 Northern Ireland: should Northern Ireland stay in the UK? 98.9% said yes and 1.1% said no. The turnout was 58.1%

Question 2

Referendums outcomes are very close? This undermines the mandate

Answer 2

1997 Wales: should there be a Welsh assembly? 50.3% said yes and 49.7% said no. The turnout was 50.1%

Question 3

People too selfish to vote in the referendum

Answer 3

2005 Edinburgh: should Edinburgh introduce a congestion charge? 25.6% said yes and 74.4% said no. 61.7% turnout
2008 Manchester: should Manchester introduce a congestion charge? 21.2% said yes and 78.8% said no. Turnout 53.2%

Question 4

Turnout in elections is low

Answer 4

1998 in London: should there be a London assembly and London mayor? Turnout was 34%

Question 5

Most direct democracy

Answer 5

Switzerland

Question 6

Nationwide referendums

Answer 6

1975: should the UK stay in the EEC?
2011: AV referendum

And soon:
2016: should the UK stay in the EU

Question 7

Post-legislative referendums

Answer 7

1979: Wales: Should there be a Welsh parliament?
1979: Scotland: should there be a Scottish parliament?

If less than 40% of the total electorate voted for, then the legislation would be repealed

Question 8

Example of a country that uses compulsory voting

Answer 8

Australia

Question 9

Voting under 16

Answer 9

Scottish referendum 2014