Increased use of referendums essay

Question 1

PG1 (for)

Answer 1

Referendums enhance democracy by creating increased participation and giving direct input.

Question 2

PG1 (for) what was the EU referendum turnout?

Answer 2

72%, higher than many GE since 1997

Question 3

PG2 (against)

Answer 3

Often complex issues that are over simplified.

Question 4

PG2 (against) eg.

Answer 4

Brexit posed as a leave/ remain can be argued as over simplified. People didn’t fully understand the political, legal and economic consequences.

Question 5

PG3: (for)

Answer 5

referendums can enhance representative democracy, especially where parliament lack a democratic mandate.

Question 6

PG3 (for) eg.

Answer 6

1998 Good Friday Agreement- legitimise peace process in Northern Ireland. (promote public sovereignty)

Question 7

PG4 (against)

Answer 7

Over-reliance can weaken parliamentary sovereignty and undermine MP’s roles as elected representatives.

Question 8

PG4( against) eg.

Answer 8

Brexit led to years of parliamentary gridlock.

Question 9

PG4 (additional eg.)

Answer 9

can worsen public discourse- 2014 Scottish independence referendum and 2016 Brexit referendum.