referenda

Question 1

advantages of referenda

Answer 1

+act as a channel of communication between elections and can serve to endorse eg Good Friday Agreement 1998 was endorsed by voters in may 1998

+increase participation and opportunity to express views on specific policy eg 2011 scottish elections 50.5% turnout but in the 2014 referendum 84% turnout = more legitimacy and enhances democracy

+reinforce legitimacy of tough decisions (popular sovreignty vs government will) eg brexit referendum 72.2% turnout

Question 2

scottish elections vs referendum stat

Answer 2

2011 - 50.5% turnout
2014 referendum - 84% turnout

Question 3

brexit referendum results

Answer 3

72.2% turnout
52% leave, 48% remain

Question 4

disadvantages of referenda

Answer 4

-the public cannot make sensible decisions as they lack specialist knowledge. (keir starmer was previously head of Crown prosecution service v average member of public) or death penalty abolished 1969 but polls voted 54% for a return for serial murderers =tyranny of the majority

• media and politicians are able to manipulate debate. headline for brexit ‘take back control’ or

Question 5

referenda

Answer 5

devolution 1997, AV+ 2011, Scottish Independence 2014, Brexit 2016