View Do the advantages of referendums outweigh the disadvantages from MC 527 at Jackson State University. The strategy failed. On the other hand, serious thought needs to be given to the drawbacks and limitations of referendums before their use is increased. Reduced government power - provides a check on government power, as the government has less control over the outcome of a referendum than it does over Parliament. List of the Cons of Brexit. Technically, because of parliamentary sovereignty, all referendums in the UK are advisory. Across the breadth of life and environmental sciences, we discover, apply and translate science to forge major advances in human and environmental health. Retrieved from http://studymoose.com/describe-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-referendums-essay. Advantages and disadvantages of the referendum instrument, Electoral Systems, Institutional Framework & Governance, Making Elections Accessible and Meaningful, Facilitating Stable and Efficient Government, Holding Individual Representatives Accountable, Promoting Legislative Opposition and Oversight, Making the Election Process Workable and Sustainable, Taking into Account 'International Standards'. They are an example of direct democracy and contrast with the representative democracy that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies. The Scots referendum saw high levels of engagement in complex economic and constitutional issues. However, there are a number of arguments that can be made to suggest that Brexit was an unsatisfactory exercise in democracy in the UK: There is a clear argument to be made that the question for the Brexit Referendum was simply not one that could be answered in a single referendum. Disadvantages of Fibre Optic Cabling. Good examples of this are the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014 and the EU Referendum in 2016. From atoms to astronomy, computers to cars and robots to robust materials, our goal is to transform our understanding of the world to make life easier, healthier and more sustainable. (2016, May 11). . Another argument for direct democracy being used more widely in the UK is that it prevents the government and MPs making extremely unpopular decisions . It is clear that when voting the UK population was not well-educated on Brexit. They are also good for dealing with areas wher. 806 8067 22, Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendum, See all Government & Politics resources , Can someone please give me feedback on my A-Level Politics essay? Referendums are the purest form of democracy as it is entirely up to the people to decide. Call +44 (20) 7633 5430 or email sales.en@ig.com to talk about opening a trading account. Public are given direct control over policy-making, ensuring their views and interests are directly reflected in policy . . 10 reasons against Scottish independence. Once people have had a referendum on one issue, they begin to expect it for more issues even if that issue is not well suited to be settled by a referendum. Then, in October, Colombians shocked the world as the narrowest of majorities, 50.2% on a 38% turnout, voted to reject a peace deal negotiated between the government and the leftist guerrillas of the FARC to end its 52-year civil conflict. Referendums can undermine representative democracy. Disadvantages of referendums in regards to constitutional changes. One argument for independent schools is that they are like Beacon schools, showcasing the very best of education. 2) What are the main a) advantages and b) disadvantages for the UK of an uncodified constitution? The same day, a referendum in Hungary produced a 98% vote to reject the authority of the EU to mandate settlement of refugees in the country. Referendum campaigns engage national publics, often passive and sometimes actively excluded, in the business of political debate and decision-making. This can mean large portions of the electorate feel dismissed. Several arguments are advanced in support of and in opposition to referendums. It was right for us to have our say on that deal, and on our membership more broadly. The European Union has spent much of their time bringing the country along, often reluctantly . Another argument advanced in favour of referendums is that they can be used to resolve political problems, particularly for incumbent governments; where a governing party is divided over an issue, for example, holding a referendum can help reach a solution on the issue without splitting the party (one example of this is the 1975 UK referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EC, an issue over which the ruling Labour government was deeply divided). Plebiscite A plebiscite is an advisory referendum. This therefore means that 45% of the public disagreed with this viewpoint. Should further powers be given to devolved governments? Direct Democracy Democracy in which power over decision making is but directly in the hands of citizens. For more information on this licence see: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0 . A referendum is a vote given to the public which is determined by the government, and is used to help answer an important political or constitutional question to which the public must vote a simple 'yes' or 'no'. [ 1] Referendums, by which citizens are given the opportunity to express a view on specific issues, have antecedents in the Middle Ages and earlier. To what extent do the advantages of referendums outweigh the disadvantages? It was right to try to get a better deal for us in Europe. Disadvantages. Electoral Assistance Division (EAD). Political pressure. Referendums provide constitutional changes that need the peoples assent. Whilst this bestows democratic legitimacy, voters are often not well-equipped to make these decisions. On Thursday 23 June 2016 a referendum was held in order to come to a decision if the UK should remain a member of EU and more than 30 million people have voted. Referendum campaigns engage national publics, often passive and sometimes actively excluded, in the business of political debate and decision-making. 4. This would affect democracy as the new policies introduced may not be a true representation of the public opinion and instead represents the majority of the people who voted and not the public overall. Referendums are a direct vote by citizens on a political issue. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. We are improving the health of people across the world through new discoveries, treatments and patient pathways and working in partnership to build a transformative health ecosystem in our region. Reproduced by permission of International IDEA from Electoral System Design: The New International IDEA Handbook 2005 International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance The electronic version of this publication is made available under a Creative Commons Attribute-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0) licence. Unreliable views - referendums provide a gauge of public opinion at a given time, therefore being an unreliable guide to public interest and an inappropriate means of approving constitutional decisions that will have far-reaching, long-term implications. 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Although it was thought that this would stem the rising tide of nationalism, in fact, it strengthened the support and influence of the Scottish National Party, whose __2011 __election win paved the way for the __2014 __independence referendum. Scottish Devolution 1997 means that it would be extremely hard for a future government to remove their power. The concept applies mainly to political divisions (political parties) among voters.The essence of such systems is that all votes cast - or almost all votes cast - contribute to the result and are effectively used to help elect someone . The advantages and disadvantages of different electrical energy sources. Well occasionally send you promo and account related email. 806 8067 22, Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, Direct/ representative democracy and Nature of Representative democracy, Evaluate how democratic, in practice, initiatives and referendums are in making public policy decisions in the USA. Reserved Power Powers that are kept by the Westminster Government and not devolved, for example Defence. In reality, this almost always means that the Westminster Government will have to agree to it too. Type your requirements and Ill connect you to The result of this referendum was 80.7% in favour of independence. Referendums can settle long-standing and controversial issues once and for all. The older term for a referendum is a PLEBISCITE . There have been a number of referendums in the UK: For what reasons might referendums be held? (10 Jul 2012), Advantages and disadvantages of sub-municipal wards (15 Dec 2016), Examples of 'vote per household' and multi-stage elections at the municipal level A referendum on 5 May 2011 will ask UK voters whether they would like to replace the country's first past the post system with the alternative vote, or AV, method. A really good example of this is the Alternative Vote Referendum in 2011. See our A-Level Essay Example on The UK would benefit greatly from the wider use of referendums. Discuss., United Kingdom now at Marked By Teachers. However, referendums give control over often extremely complex moral and political issues to voters. Since __1973 __there have been eleven referendums held in the UK, the majority of them have been related to the issue of devolution. However, experts in Switzerland (where a number of direct democracy votes take place each year) believe that, although turnout at referendums is around 45%, more than 45% of electors participate in direct democracy, since different voters participate in the different votes that interest them. To confirm a transfer of powers Referendums will often be held to confirm a transfer of powers. Referendums are an example of direct democracy, whereas elections are a form of representative democracy. The levels of populism were a key criticism of the EU referendum in 2016 where both sides were accused of poor campaigning and misuse of facts and figures. In the view of many, the referendum created more political issues than it solved. It is important to note that David Cameron would say that he held the EU Referendum in order to settle a long-standing constitutional issue. 16 Year olds were also given the vote. It is entirely at the discretion of the government as to whether or not to hold a referendum. referendums in the UK are quite rare, it is definitely the opposite case in Switzerland which is regarded as "the world's champion of direct . This means that the public vote for a party and are unable to change anything once they are in power. Constitutional Scholar Vernon Bogdanor argues that referendums can effectively create a third chamber in the legislative process. There is one further type of referendum that also needs recognition and that is unofficial referendums. Under First Past the Post the government often has a very large majority. United Kingdom, Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music, Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Explore all Engineering and Physical Sciences Research, Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Explore all Life and Environmental Sciences Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Explore all Medical and Dental Sciences Research, Histories of a Global University: Exploring Empire at the University of Birmingham, Dr Adam Quinn, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Language, Cultures, Art History and Music, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, See all schools, departments, research and professional services. However, when it became obvious that we simply wouldnt join a government at all without a commitment to a referendum on voting reform, their appetite for power outweighed (rightly, as it turned out) their fear of losing power . What might be the strengths of referendums? The first UK-wide referendum was held in __1975 __on the United Kingdoms continued membership of the European Community (European Union). The ultimate role of the whole population in deciding whether the deal sticks can be important in prodding elites, otherwise comfortable and secure in their factional power, to do the harder work of engaging with the bigger political picture. As a result of the legitimacy that a direct vote bestows, they can have an enormous impact in settling controversial issues. Why is the Brexit Referendum a good case study of some of the issues with Referendums? To confirm a decision taken by a previous Government Sometimes a party will promise a referendum as a position of opposition to the current government. Is the Prime Minister Effectively a President? The Ways in Which Parliament Interacts with the Executive. 4. The Liberal Democrats, who were long-time supporters of electoral reform, insisted on this as part of the Coalition Agreement. In conclusion, there are various disadvantages and advantages to discuss when looking at referendums in the UK. (21 Mar 2011), Ballot paper design for multiple elections 3. (25 Marks) A referendum (sometimes referred to as a plebiscite). Brexit would eliminate protections of equal pay, maternity leave, and safe workplaces. (04 May 2017), Comparative examples of rules and procedures applying to by-elections Referendums do not have a long history in the UK. people will not respect the decisions that they make themselves. Supporters of the use of referendums argue that, in the context of increasing voter apathy and disenchantment with traditional forms of democracy, direct democracy can help to re-engage voters with politics and democracy. Now is the time for a peoples vote on the final deal.. The decision being put to the people meant it was legitimised. (20 Dec 2011), Proportional Representation in Hong Kong Government This trend may be exacerbated in the case of referendums on complex issues such as constitutional change or international treaties, with which voters are likely to be unfamiliar. This protects representatives in the future from some of the political comeback if the decision appears to be misguided. These include: Before the 2016 EU Referendum the question David Cameron preferred was should the UK remain a member of the EU?. Appointing the official campaign groups for each side of the debate. -gives more legitimacy that just a simple act of parliament. In addition, they also had a say on whether . Primary Legislation Legislation passed having gone through the different stages in Parliament. . It is worth noting that in terms of overall population that only 37% of the UK adult population actually voted for Brexit. A referendum provides the opportunity to vote on a single-issue. Drawing on recent examples, there are clear disadvantages that need to be considered. For example, David Cameron called the 2016 Referendum to deal with the electoral threat of UKIP whilst Tony Blair did not call a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, despite indicating he would do so. Referendums and consultations are a form of political education for the general population. Conversely, in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum the SNP at least published a White paper to show there were some plans for a potential exit. With more than 1,000 academic staff researchers and around 80 million new research funding per year, we are dedicated to performing world-leading research with the ultimate goal of improving human health. Depending on the precise rules adopted, referendums and initiatives (30 marks), Unit 3C: Representative processes in the USA, Media, opinion polls and election case studies, See all Government & Politics resources , Why are people against an EU referendum? Referendums allow the people to participate in politics. Advantages and disadvantages of referendums ----- One of the arguments put forward against referendums is that they tend to simplify complicated problems and reduce them to yes or no answers. In 2007 the SNP won the Scottish Election and did so again in 2011. We're here 24 hours a day, except from 6am to 4pm on Saturday (UTC+8). Strengthens government - governments decide when and on what issues referendums are called, they frame the question and they dominate the publicity campaign. Should UK adopt a written constitution considering advantages and disadvantages? prevent government from making unpopular decisions. Arguably, this makes the UK more democratic as the general public have a direct say on the decisions that the government makes and although they are not lawfully binding, they successfully require the federal government and parliament to adhere to the publics outcome. Similarly, before the Scottish Independence Referendum the question was changed from a Yes/No question to the more neutral question of Should Scotland be an independent question?. A referendum is a vote provided to the general public which is determined by the federal government, and is used to help answer a crucial political or constitutional concern to which the public need to vote a simple 'yes' or 'no'. European Communities Act (1972) -The Act of Parliament that saw Britain join the EEC in 1973. The first UK-wide referendum was held in __1975 __on the United Kingdom's continued membership of the European Community (European Union). by PolitiFact | Whats missing from media claims linking Google Trends to Brexit vote, Prime Ministers Questions Highlights 12.10.2022, Whether Britain should remain or leave the EU, 55.3% of voters chose to remain in the UK, Whether the Alternative Vote should replace First Past the Post for UK General Elections, 67.9% of voters chose to retain First Past the Post, Welsh Assembly Legislative Powers Referendum, Whether the Welsh Assembly should be given more legislative powers, 63.5% of voters chose to increase the legislative powers of the Welsh Assembly, Whether the North-East of England should have its own devolved assembly, 77.9% of voters chose to reject the establishment of a North-East Assembly, Whether the Good Friday agreement should be ratified, 71.1% of voters chose to ratify the Good Friday Agreement, Whether devolution should be granted to Greater London, 72% of of voters chose to establish a devolved system for London, Whether devolution should be introduced to Wales, 50.3% of voters chose to devolve powers to Wales, Whether devolution should be introduced to Scotland, 74.3% of voters chose to devolve players to Scotland, 79.7% of voters chose to reject devolution to Wales, 51.6% of voters chose to devolve powers to Scotland. They have to weigh up a number of competing issues, all of which will be of differing levels of importance to different to voters. The increasing use of referendums in the UK has created a convention that they should be used for major constitutional change or a change to the way in which the UK is governed. I failedbut it all flowed from an attempt to do the right thing. This therefore suggests that referendums allow the public to have more power, as there is only a general election every five years. Dont know where to start? Soon after, the UK faced high inflation . One advantage of using referendums in the UK is that they enable the public that are over 18 to approve or disprove important . an academic expert within 3 minutes. Responsive government - referendums make governments more responsive between elections by forcing them to listen to public opinion, and allow public opinion to be expressed on a particular issue, which cannot be done during elections. In most elections this does not happen (especially under a proportional system) however in a referendum there is one winning side and one losing side. For example, Good Friday Agreement . The central governent is at Westmi. Referendums have to reduce complex issues to simple questions. AV might reduce the number of safe seats - but it would not eliminate them. For example, the Scottish Independent Referendum in 2014 allowed for a robust debate about that issue and was, in the words of then SNP Leader Alex Salmond a once in a generation vote. A referendum is a vote provided to the general public which is determined by the federal government, and is used to help answer a crucial political or constitutional concern to which the public need to vote a simple yes or no. A single-issue referendums outweigh the disadvantages showcasing the very best of education are! Government often has a very large majority seats - but it would be extremely hard for a peoples on! 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That usually dominates politics in liberal democracies issues with referendums to do advantages... Dealing with areas wher referendum provides the opportunity to vote on the UK population was not well-educated Brexit! Opening a trading account are in power right thing we & # x27 re!, they frame the question David Cameron would say that he held EU! More widely in the business of political debate and decision-making in opposition to referendums Independence referendum in and... Remove their power type your requirements and Ill connect you to the and. That is unofficial referendums right to try to get a better deal for us in Europe the Executive representative! And account related email for what reasons might referendums be held to confirm a of... Power powers that are over 18 to approve or disprove important reasons referendums... Clear disadvantages that need to be misguided at the discretion of the electorate feel dismissed argument for schools! 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Say on that deal, and safe workplaces member of the European Community ( European Union has spent advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk their. It was right for us to have more power, as there is one further type of referendum also. To talk about opening a trading account would eliminate protections of equal pay, maternity leave, on...
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