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 starter activity

 starter activity. In 2011, in the 5th ever referendum in UK politics, the electorate voted against a reform to the voting system. Read the article and jot down 5 key reasons why the vote went against AV. What broader problems did the vote reveal about referendums.

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 starter activity

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  1. starter activity In 2011, in the 5th ever referendum in UK politics, the electorate voted against a reform to the voting system. Read the article and jot down 5 key reasons why the vote went against AV. What broader problems did the vote reveal about referendums

  2. Why have referendums become increasingly popular?  LOs TBAT give at least 3 examples of how referendums are used outside the UK, explain why in the UK they are less common & reasons why they have been used in recent years To assess their value as a form of direct democracy

  3.  Your task • Read Watts, p.64-5 and take notes on the following: • Early usage of referendums • Referendums within the EU • UK attitudes towards referendums Extension: Read the Politics Review article (Sept 2010) and summarise key points for / against referendums

  4. Early usage • Plebiscites (referendums) popular method for demonstrating support for Fascist regimes – instruments of ‘demagogues and dictators’ • Associated with authoritarian democratic regimes, e.g. De Gaulle’s 5th Republic

  5. Referendums within the EU • Sensitive or complex ethical issues, e.g. abortion, assisted suicide • Parties use referendums to avoid damaging internal party splits • Referendum on key constitutional issues, e.g. new EU constitution

  6. UK attitudes • Associated with European style politics • Threaten to undermine parliamentary democracy • Commitment to adhere to result

  7.  Your task • All should: Read Watts, p.65-66 and note the use of referendums in UK politics. • Most should: List the reasons why referendums have become more popular • Some should: Evaluate how successful referendums have been in the UK

  8. Referendums in UK • 1973, Northern Ireland – govt. did not agree to be bound by results • 1975, membership of EU –criticism over wording of question, debate favoured govt view • 1979, devolution Scotland & Wales – 40%+ support of electorate • 1997, devolution for Scotland and Wales – Labour had a manifesto commitment to devolution, no threshold required, two different questions in Scot. & Wales

  9. UK referendums • 1998, Northern Ireland – intended to gather support for Peace Process above the heads of troublesome political leaders in NI • 1998, London Mayor – positive result, low turnout (45%) • 2004, regional assembly, NE – decisive ‘No’ (78%) • Single currency / EU constitution – promised referendums

  10. Reasons for growth in popularity • Official recognition, e.g. Electoral Commission (2000) responsible for regulating their conduct • Need for direct democracy • Political participation between general elections • Offer judgements on specific policies • Avoid party divisions • Required for constitutional reforms, e.g. devolution • Popular with New Labour

  11. Questions, questions. Commentators argue that referendums don’t always ask the right questions. Study the referendum questions on the sheet and decide which is the fairest question.

  12. Referendums improve the quality of the relationship between government and people’. To what extent do you agree?

  13.  Homework • Create a scales chart weighing up the pros and cons of referendums, using the information in Watts, p.67-9 and the links under Direct Democracy on www.studyhistory.co.uk

  14.  Essay • It’s time to do your second AS Politics practice paper. Complete Q2 (parts a-c). • Tip! Divide a piece of paper into 4 parts and note down the pros and cons of referendums in helping to resolve constitutional and social issues • Make links to the main pros and cons in your scales chart • Use current examples where possible to support your ideas

  15.  Extension task • Hold mini debates on these two topics: • Britain should join the eurozone • Britain should leave the European Union

  16.  Plenary • Where did direct democracy begin? • Name 2 key characteristics of direct and indirect democracy • What are the two models of parliamentary representation? • Give 3 examples of referendums held in the UK? • Give 3 advantages & 3 disadvantages of referenda

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