Referendums

1. Referendums

2. Aims and objectives • To understand what a referendum is • To identify how referendums are used • To assess how effective the use of referendums have been in the UK • To identify the strengths and weaknesses of referendums

3. WHAT IS A REFERENDUM? • A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal • Sometimes referred to as a Plebiscite or ballot question

4. What is a referendum? • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn9LIDcacX4

6. How are referendums used in the UK? I could not consent to the introduction into our national life of a device so alien to all our traditions as the referendum  • Traditionally frowned upon in the UK • Prime Minister Clement Attlee 1945. • Also claimed they were a ‘tool for ‘Demagogues and Dictators’-to claim legitimacy. –example: Saddam Hussein 1995 & 2007 • Referendums diminished parliament and undermined its authority • Outside of the UK referendums have been widely used to resolve issues • Ireland- 1995 legalised divorce, Switzerland 4 referendums a year, Initiatives in California

7. When does the UK have referendums? • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgkmtWx6Ysg&feature=c4-overview&list=UUCO3tZEnrIe67URX87rV_bg

8. Referendums Questions Referendums and the Electoral Commission • When did the use of referendums increase and why? • Outline some of the advantages of holding referendums • What are some of the disadvantages • What criticisms have been made about holding referendums in the UK? • Which Act of Parliament set out the legal framework under which referendums are held?6) What responsibility does the electoral commission have in relation to referendums 7) What clause (relating to referendums) was introduced in the Regional Assemblies Act (2003)? 8) If referendums are not legally binding in the UK explain why the government/parliament should accept the result of referendums

9. Referendums Questions (2) Referendums-Still alien to our traditions? • What is a referendum? • When was the first ‘Nationwide referendum’? Over what issue was it held? • List three other key referendums that took place between 1973-2004 • Why do some argue that referendums play a negative role in politics? • Create a mind map to show the POSITIVES and NEGATIVES of referendums • Over what issue did William Hague outline the possibility of a referendum been held in the future?

10. Features of a referendum • Use to resolve an issue • In UK used to determine constitutional change • Can be national or local/regional • Asks a question(s) • Yes/No answer • Normally has a threshold before result can be accepted

11. Use of referendums in the UK • Read the sheet provided

12. Referendums in the UK • Criticism have been

13. UK’s Membership into EEC 1975 67% Yes, 33% No Devolution 1979 Scotland and Wales -insufficient turnout Devolution 1997 Scotland and Wales 74% yes, 26% no 50.3% Yes, 49.7% No Northern Ireland-Remain part of UK? 1973 99% Yes, 1% No Regional Assembly Northern England 2004 22% Yes, 78% No UK Referendums Elected Mayors 11 cities 2001- 9-No 2-Yes Northern Ireland 1998 (Good Friday Agreement) 71% Yes, 29% No Mayor of London 1998 72% yes, 28% No Alternative Vote -2011. Yes 32% N0 685

14. Why do governments call referenda? • Settle questions of major constitutional significance. E.g. Devolution in 1979 for Scotland and Wales. • Ratify the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, aiming to bring together various parties in NI for a future cross part administration. • Resolve political disputes within governing policies. E.g. In 1975 whether Britain should stay in the ECC - which averted a fatal government split • Political ploy, for example to weaken opposition, inside and outside Parliament, to their preferred policy. E.g. Blair's sudden decision in 2004 to allow a referendum on the EU constitution after the next general election was an astute political move to derail months of damaging Conservative propaganda. • Govt may call referendum when they are confident of winning

15. Referendums-Advantages • Form of Direct democracy • Encourages participation-Citizens more engaged • Provides a clear answer to a specific question • Legitimises important decisions • A device for solvingcontroversial or moral issues • Unites divided parties • Can be a powerful check on the power of elected governments-Elected Dictatorship • Referendum campaigns informs and educates the electorate over certain issues

16. Referendums-Disadvantages • Inconsistent with the UK system of parliamentary sovereignty • Issues may be too complex to be resolved with a simple YES/NO vote • Frequent usecould lead to voter apathy and low turnouts • Low turnout may distort the result -Result may not be decisive • Funding differences may effect the result • Possible bias with the question asked (worded in a certain way) • Could be used for the wrong questions • May only be held if the government thought the result would go in their favour • Could result in ‘Tyranny of the Majority’

17. No established mechanismfor calling a referendum in the UK • Allows politicians to absolve themselves from making difficult decisions • Media and other agencies can significantly influence the result • Can be called repeatedly until the ‘correct’ response is obtained – Irelands vote on the EU constitution • Undermines parliamentary sovereignty and representative democracy

18. 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

19. Do referendums enhance democracy? • Using the A3 Sheet fill in the table to show the arguments for and against

20. So in summary……………….