P1 - Use of Referenda Flashcards
Why is the wider use of referenda constitutionally beneficial
they enable the electorate to decide on big constitutional issues (Brexit)
What can wider use of referenda do for the electorate
they make the electorate better educated and informed
Give an example of how referenda can settle long-standing disputes
The referendum on the alternative vote in 2011 has stopped electoral reform for now
How do referenda strengthen democracy
they allow the public to speak for themselves
Give an example of how referenda promote participation
the 2014 referendum on Scottish Independence had an 84.5 per cent turnout
How do they undermine parliament
Parliament is sovereign and it may be side-lined by the overuse of referenda - the Brexit court case was on this precise issue
Give an example of how referenda impose a decision on a reluctant government
The EU referendum returned a Leave result despite the Conservative government officially backing remain
What is an example of referenda being asked more than once until the right answer is received
the possibility of another Scottish independence referendum and a second Brexit referendum
What did the Brexit and Scottish Ind Referendum show
that referenda can be very divisive
Give an example of how referenda campaign can be misleading or may oversimplify complicated issues
Both the Remain and Leave campaign in the 2016 EU referendum made claims that fact-checker found to be extremely misleading
What is the issue with the electorate making important decisions
they lack the specialised knowledge
What do referenda do that oversimplifies complicated issues
they put it down to a yes or no question
Give an example of referenda that might result in voter disillusion and apathy or fatigue
Turnout in the 2016 Eu referendum was slightly lower in Scotland. Some suggested it was due to voter fatigue
