Refermdums In Depth

Question 1

What has mainly been achieved/or negatively impacted from elections since 1997

Answer 1

.Devolving more power to devolved nations/areas
.Increasing direct democratic legitimacy- more referendums than ever.
. Increase in political divisions and decrease in unity

Question 2

What have been some key devolution referendums?

Answer 2

1997 Scottish Devolution Referendum – Approved the creation of the Scottish Parliament.
1997 Welsh Devolution Referendum – Approved the establishment of the Welsh Assembly.
2014 Scottish Independence Referendum – Scotland voted to remain in the UK (55%–45%).

Question 3

What are disadvantages of referendums?

Answer 3

1. Undermine Representative Democracy – MPs are elected to make decisions on behalf of the public.
   
   2. Simplify Complex Issues – Issues like Brexit are too complex for a simple yes/no vote.
2. Low Turnout May Undermine Legitimacy

Question 4

Advantages of referendums

Answer 4

1. Enhance Democracy – Allow the public to have a direct say on key issues.
2. Settle Constitutional Matters – Help resolve major political questions (e.g., devolution, Brexit).
3. Provide a Clear Mandate – Governments gain legitimacy for major decisions.

Question 5

What has been the impact of the brexit referendum? Advantages

Answer 5

1. Sovereignty and Control
   • The UK regained full control over laws, borders, and trade policies.
   • No longer bound by EU regulations and the European Court of Justice.
2. Independent Trade Policy
   • The UK can negotiate its own trade deals (e.g., agreements with Australia and New Zealand).
   • No need to contribute to the EU budget, freeing up government funds.
3. Immigration Control
   • Ended free movement, allowing the UK to implement a points-based immigration system.
   • Supporters argue this ensures immigration is based on skills rather than EU membership.

Question 6

Negative impacts of brexit

Answer 6

1. Economic Disruption
   • Trade barriers with the EU have increased costs for businesses.
   • The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates Brexit has reduced UK GDP by about 4%.
2. Labour Shortages
   • Sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture faced shortages due to fewer EU workers.

Question 7

Turnout and % for yes/no In 1997 Scottish devolution election

Answer 7

60% turnout
74% yes for devolution

Question 8

Turnout and percentage for yes/no in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum

Answer 8

85% turnout and 55% for no independence

Question 9

Give the percentage turnout and percentage for yes/no on the 1997 Welsh assembly devolution referendum.
Was this referendum legitimate? Why?

Answer 9

1997 Welsh Devolution Referendum
• Turnout: 50.2%
• Result: 50.3% Yes (for Welsh Assembly)

Very Low Support in the Electorate – Only 25.2% of the Welsh electorate actually voted for devolution.

Question 10

What does mandate mean?

Answer 10

A mandate refers to the authority or approval given to a government or leader to take action, usually based on election or referendum results.

Question 11

What does legitimacy mean?

Answer 11

The right to rule, usually based on legal, moral, or democratic principles
The UK government is legitimate because it is elected democratically and follows the law.
A government can be legitimate without a strong mandate.