referendums Flashcards
What was the referendum that happened in the UK in 2016?
Brexit referendum
What did the Brexit referendum ask voters?
If UK should leave EU
Brexit referendum turnout, results?
72% turnout, 48% stay vs 52% leave
What referendum happened in 2014?
Scottish Independence referendum - agreed on with Westminster in 2011 when SNP became the ruling party
What did the SIR ask voters?
if they wanted Scotland to become independent
Scottish Independence referendum voter turnout, results, and what was special?
84.6% turnout, 55% stay vs 45% leave, minimum voting age was 16.
What referendum happened in 2011?
Alternative Vote referendum
What question did the AV referendum ask?
if the UK should change electoral system
AV referendum turnout and results?
42% turnout, 68% no, 32% yes
cons of referendums
- lack of informaiton anf political education: day after brexit, most searched on google was ‘what is brexit’ and ‘what is the EU’
- EMOTIONAL and POPULIST with risk of FAKE NEWS: Brexit ref with brexit buses and with Penny Mordaunt claim of Turkey to join EU
- tyranny of the majority - in close referendums like SIR and Brex, still over 45% of population dissatisfied
- reduce big issues to simple questions
- held only at discretion of westminster - 2022 scotland independence ref blocked
pros of referendums
- direct will of people
- pure form of democracy - people expressing opinions, not through MPs which may be under whip and not have constituent interests at heart
-check on elective dictatorship - although all refs are technically advisory, the government would not have the political sovereignty to breach the outcome - example Cameron was a remainer - can settle long, controversial issues - like scottish intependence
- minimises misrepresentation of FPTP
referendum definition
a general vote by the electorate to directly address a single issue, done when there needs to be constitutional change
1998 NI referendum
asked whether voters would support multi-party agreement - 71% yes – 29% no
-81% turnout
PEACE AFTER THE TROUBLES 30 YRS - now NI low threat for terror