Should the U.K hold more referendums?

Question 1

Define the term referendum

Answer 1

A vote in which citizens are asked to directly decide upon a political question

Question 2

When are referendums used?

Answer 2

• To decide constitutional or moral issues
• Resolve decisions within the governing party
• To gain tactical knowledge
• Promised in the governing party’s manifesto
• Gauge public opinion
• Encourage greater democracy

Question 3

What is the difference between UK referendums and US referendums?

Answer 3

UK referendums are decided by the government whilst those in the US are suggested but the electorate through initiatives.
November 2012-
176 referendums across 38 states
Maryland + Washington legalised same-sex marriage
Washington + Colorado legalised marijuana

Question 4

What were the issues surrounding the 1975 referendum on European Community Membership?

Answer 4

The phrasing of the question as people find it easier to agree than disagree and the amount of money used in campaigns surrounding the referendum

Question 5

Give 4 examples of recent referendums

Answer 5

2014 - Scottish Referendum
2011 - AV Referendum
1998 - Support of Good Friday Agreement
1997 - Whether there should be a Welsh Assembly

Question 6

What is the argument FOR referendums?

Answer 6

• Promotes direct democracy and ensures publics views are represented accurately
• Promotes political education
• Forces the government to listen to the public opinion in-between general elections
• Reduces the government power
• Important to hold referendums on constitutional changed as they are more important than other bills

Question 7

What is the argument AGAINST referendums?

Answer 7

• Ill-informed decisions as the general public lack political knowledge
• Weakens parliament and undermine parliamentary sovereignty
• The government can’t be held publicly responsible
• Can strengthen government
• Provides unreliable views as it only presents a snapshot from that time period .