Referendums Have A Positive Impact on Democracy and Politics

Question 1

Increase Participation: 1

Answer 1

1. Encourage them to participate, their vote has a clear tangible impact on the outcome.
2. EU turnout 72.2% (2016), 2015 general election had a turnout of 66.2%.
3. Scottish independence referendum (2014) had a turnout of 84.6%.
4. 1998 Northern Ireland Good Friday Agreement Referendum had a turnout of 81%.

Question 2

Does not always increase participation: 1

Answer 2

1. 1997 Welsh Devolution referendum had a turnout of only 50.2%.
2. AV 2011 referendum had a turnout of only 42.0%.
3. Scottish devolution referendum in 1979, only 33% turnout.
4. May be due to apathy or voter fatigue.

Question 3

Give a Clear Outcome: 2

Answer 3

1. In the 1997 Scottish Parliament over 74% of the people voted in favour of a Scottish Parliament, addressed the issue.
2. In 2016, 52% of the people that voted, voted for Brexit.
3. This means that they can help resolve political arguments and controversial issues.

Question 4

Misleading Information: 2

Answer 4

1. This may be undermined by misinformation in particular, the media.
2. Spread the claim that the UK sent the EU over £350 million each week, money that could be given to the NHS. Also, the claim that Turkey was on the verge of joining the EU.
3. AV misleading campaign, made-up costs were added to made-up costs machines and leaflets from the electoral commission made AV look unnecessarily complex.

Question 5

Direct Voter Power 3

Answer 5

1. The decisions to was made directly by the public with 51.9% choosing to leave. Government was bound by this decision.
2. Scottish voters were given the chance to decide their country’s future status within the UK 55% voted no.
3. Voters on both sides of the Irish border were asked to approve the GFA.

Question 6

Parliamentary Sovereignty: 3

Answer 6

1. 75% of MPs campaigned for Remain, forced Parliament’s hand on complex issues.
2. Can risk enabling majority rule at the expense of minority rights.
3. Scotland voted 62% remain and Northern Ireland 55.8% Remain, yet their preferences were overridden by the larger English population.
4. Has fueled calls for Scottish independence.