Referendums Flashcards
Outline the key features of a referendum
-example of direct democracy
-popular vote on an issue
-can be binding or advisory
-called by government
Or
-government puts an important decision in the hands of the people by allowing them to vote on a simple (usually yes or no) question
Differences between elections and referendums
Elections:
- regular timings - not optional for government set out in constitution
- mechanism for choosing elected reps
- outcome of an election is binding
- representative
Referendums:
- irregular intervals
- mechanism of gaging public opinion
- outcome is advisory not binding
- direct
Describe and explain the trend in the frequency of elections
They were becoming gradually more used in the 70s (4 from 1973), then when thatcher came into power in the 80s there were none because she thought they undermined the representative system. When Blair came to power he implemented a series of referendums in Scotland, Wales, NI and London which legitimised devolved bodies. This began a trend of more frequent referendum use.
Despite this there have only been two nationwide referendums (1975: should the UK stay in EEC and 2011 AV referendum but soon 2016: should UK stay in the EU)
Reasons for referendums
- The government itself was divided e.g 1975 EEC referendum and 2016 EU referendum
- An issue needed the widespread consent of the community to give legitimacy to constitutional change e.g. 2011 AV referendum and 2014 Scottish independence referendum
- Manifesto pledge e.g 1988 London assembly and London mayor and 2016 EU referendum
What is an intitiative
A referendum that’s called by the people it is based on popular support for example Switzerland in California. Form of direct democracy. Initiatives can be called by the people which means the common people can have the say in legislation.
What are the drawbacks of using initiatives
- the system can be abused
- voter fatigue
- people are stupid and selfish
- undermines representative democracy
- tyranny of the majority
- if the government was doing its job properly they would respond to public opinion anyway
What are public consultations
A way of gathering public opinion on government decisions and aspires to add legitimacy of these decisions
Advantages of initiatives
- Common people have a say in the law
- political participation
- things that the government might be avoiding for political reasons would have to be addressed
- limits the power of government
Advantages of referendums
- gives people more of a chance to engage in direct democracy. Less apathetic
- People can directly influence the laws that affect them
- helps gov if divided on an issue to come to a United and popular decision
- people are more likely to accept the outcome of a referendum - legitimacy
Disadvantages of referendums
- undermines representative democracy (Margret Thatcher)
- people are too selfish to make certain decisions, they don’t see the big picture (e.g. 2005 Edinburgh congestion charge)
- tyranny of the majority - 1973: NI: should NI stay in the UK. 98.9 yes 1.1 no
- legitimacy is compromised when the outcome is close for example in 1997 should there be a Welsh assembly referendum. 50.3% said yes 49.7% said no.
- referendums cost a lot of money and I time-consuming
- too many leads to voter fatigue and low turnout
- governments are inclined to offer referendums only on those issues where they have a direct interest in doing so or are relatively certain of the outcome
- The wording can encourage a positive or negative response depending on the will of the government
What did Clement Attlee say about referendums
“referendums are tools of demagogues and dictators” and they are “alien to all our traditions”
Why have referendums become more acceptable to UK audience
The participation crisis, constitutional reform – it’s a way of legitimising major constitutional changes, the experience of referendums – such devices are used in other countries and served to break down public mistrust
How comfortably do referendums sit with the form of democracy traditionally practiced in the UK
MPs are expected to apply their judgement to the questions of the day and to be prepared to go against the will of the people, therefore referendums would appear to be unnecessary and at worst counter-productive.
Has the UK experience of referendums thus far been a positive one
Public opinion is positive but turnout remains low
What did Margaret Thatcher say about referendums?
They sacrifice Parliamentary sovereignty to political expediency
