Referendums

Question 1

What is a referendum?

Answer 1

A vote on a particular issue, example of a direct democracy w/in a representative issue. No constitutional mechanism requiring a PM to hold a referendum

Question 2

In what circumstances is a referendum held?

Answer 2

-Legitimising a major government initiative- 1997 refs on devolution for Scot & Wales, NI on the 1998 Good Friday Agreement
-Getting a gov out of a difficult situation- when a gov faces internal div, hand to the ppl but can rally for the issue you support. Harold Wilson ref 1975 because party split between pro and anti EU factions
-Result of a deal between political parties- DC agreed to AV ref as part of coalition w/ LD
-In response to pressure to hold a ref- cam did not want hold eu ref, backbenchers pushing for ref 2011… 2013 demand did not go away, fear of losing voters… said he wld if re-elec 2015

Question 3

Arguments for refs

Answer 3

-involves ppl in dec
-gives ppl chance for involvement between elects, rebalances pol system
-by dem clear sup for change refs settle issues + entrench reforms
-some issues divide parties- wont be resolved through rep dem
-raise voters pol awareness
Indep elec com means abuses of process is prevented

Question 4

Against refs

Answer 4

-voters little desire to participate in these decisions
-refs don’t resolve divisions, make them worse
-can still abuse syst- when to hold/ if to hold
-oft voters vote on whether they like the gov calling the ref or not
-challenges parl Sov
-Undermines reps- public lack of expertise
-refs can target minorities- majoritarian tool
-voters less able to dec diff issues well