Referendums: Examples Flashcards
2014 Scottish Independence Referendum:
Strengthened the case for referendums
The Scottish independence referendum in 2014 strengthened the case for referendums because it demonstrated that referendums can help to reach a decision and that the public should be consulted when such a huge constitutional change is at hand
2014 Scottish Independence Referendum:
In this case, participation and voter turnout was extremely high
Nearly 85% of people voted which is the highest turnout in any UK referendum
2014 Scottish Independence Referendum:
Around 55% of voters voted to stay in the UK this gave a clear majority outcome and accurately reflected how most people really felt, ensuring democratic legitimacy
2014 Scottish Independence Referendum:
16 and 17-year-olds were also allowed to vote here and this showed that referendums secure the consent of the people as well as raising political awareness, especially in young people
helping to inform them about the issues facing Scotland and engaging them more in politics, Encouraging them to participate as their voice is being heard
2014 Scottish Independence Referendum:
However it also demonstrated that referendums do not always settle arguments and debates which is why it could be argued to weaken the case for referendums
Many people were unhappy with the outcome and are calling for a second referendum on independence mainly due to the Brexit vote
Around 62% of Scots voted to remain in the EU and so want to have the chance to stay in the EU by leaving the UK
2016 EU Referendum:
Weakened the case for referendums
The EU referendum in 2016 weakened the case for referendums because it showed that referendums are sometimes held because the leader finds it politically convenient to do so
As seen with Cameron when he held this referendum to calm party infighting appease Tory Eurosceptics as well as out of fear that voters may begin to support UKIP
instead of holding one because he believed that the people should have an opinion on the matter
2016 EU Referendum:
The referendum was not taken seriously enough considering that it was deliberating such a huge constitutional change
The campaign period was very short and no real proposal or plan was set out to detail What would happen if we did leave the EU
2016 EU Referendum:
Another reason as to why it weakened the case for referendums is that the public did not have enough accurate knowledge to make an informed decision
They relied mainly on the media which is often biased and inaccurate whereas politicians have the experience and expertise to either make this decision themselves or help the voters to understand the costs and benefits of leaving the EU
2016 EU Referendum:
The referendum did not end disagreements or disputes surrounding the issue
People are demanding a second vote because the results were extremely close
only 4% more people voted to leave which many consider to be an Insufficient majority to give the decision true democratic legitimacy And if such a huge constitutional change is going to take place a much more decisive majority needs to be secured
2016 EU Referendum:
It also raised more issues in Scotland regarding independence
they voted remain and now want to be independent from the UK so that they can remain in the EU
2016 EU Referendum:
Finally many people regretted voting to leave and feel as if they were misled during the campaigning and did not know enough about the issue to cast an informed vote
Some even admitted that they voted to leave as a protest against the Cameron government and as a result of their dislike for him alone
