Refurendums

Question 1

Define the term refurendum

Answer 1

. A referendum is a vote on a single issue in which every member of the public can vote

Example:
. 2016 referendum on leaving the EU

Question 2

What is an initiative?

Answer 2

. An initiative is a vote/ ballot which is organised by the general public and it can trigger a referendum if enough signs on a petition are gathered.

Example:
. A march 2010 initiative proposing the regulate control and tax cannabis act received enough signatures to qualify it for the November 2010 ballot.

Question 3

State 2 advantages of a referendum?

Answer 3

. Enhances the legitimacy of political decisions as it shows that most support it.
. Supports the idea of democracy as it allows ordinary people to vote in a political issue.

Question 4

State 2 disadvantages to referendums

Answer 4

. It weakens representative democracy as it undermines the roles of elected representatives as the public receive a greater say than that Rep in a referendum.
. Voters can be easily misled about what they are voting for.

Question 5

What is a recall?

Answer 5

. It is a petition that is used to remove someone from office.

Example:
. A petition in California successfully gray Davidson from office.