Referendums

Question 1

Define popular sovereignty.

Answer 1

Decisions are made directly by the electorate of the nation.

Question 2

Give three functions of referendums.

Answer 2

Functions of referendums:
- Legitimise changes - e.g. devolution

• Settle divisions - e.g. Brexit David C. called EU referendum in the hope of ending longstanding party divisions.
• Avoid committing to policy ideas - the gov. will not be accountable for failed changes - e.g. Labour pushed for a Euro referendum so they didn’t have to make the decision.
• Enthuse/educate the public - I’d imagine many people hadn’t heard of AV before the referendum.

Question 3

Give three impacts of referendums.

Answer 3

Impacts of referendums:
- Influence the outcome of elections - e.g. following 2014 SNP gained 56 seats and boost in membership.

• Lack of trust - 2016 treasury’s miscalculation of economic consequences of the 2016 ref. Namely £9.3 million pound cost of ‘remain’ leaflets and £350 million NHS campaign.
• Create conventions - A ref. sets the precedent for future, similar referendums. E.g. Scotland Act 2016 - devolution cannot be removed without a ref.

Question 4

How do referendums enhance democracy/should be used more widely?

Answer 4

Enhance democracy:
- Impetus for change - 80% of parliament wanted to remain. 51% of the people wanted to leave.

• Increase participation - turnout in 2014 Scottish ref. was 84.6% - compared to 66.4% in 2015 GE.
• Educate the electorate - AV referendum and the Lib Dems encouraged greater understanding of FPTP/electoral systems
• Keep politics moving e.g. 1973 referendum was called 3 years after the 1970 general election.

Question 5

How do referendums undermine democracy/should not be used more widely?

Answer 5

Undermine democracy:
- Subvert parliamentary sovereignty - Brexit was wanted by 51% of the electorate but only 20% of MPs.

• Apathetic of changes (tyranny of the majority) - e.g. 1997 Welsh referendum - Senedd created on the mandate of 25% of total pop.
• Becomes a contest - e.g. Brexit MPs lie to sway the electorate - £350 million NHS lie - future career depends on it.