Referendums
- Created by: Q_
- Created on: 02-04-19 11:01
View mindmap
- Have referendums enhanced representative democracy?
- NO
- They have undermined representative democracy, taking decision making on complex issues away from those with the most political knowledge or experience.
- The have undermined parliamentary sovereignty and, in the case of the 2016 EU referendum, created tensions between parliament and the people.
- Governments take advantage of their authority to decide whether and when to call referendums in order to strengthen their position, e.g. to legitimise their policies or resolve internal divisions.
- Turnout in referendums is often poor, with decisions taken on the basis of votes cast by a minority of eligible electors.
- Referendum campaigns have been ill-informed and distorted by inaccurate claims made by rival camps and media bias.
- YES
- They have introduced direct democracy, ensuring that citizens, not politicians, have the final say on major issues.
- They have checked the power of government, making it more responsiveto the wishes of the people.
- They have enhanced political participation, notably in the Scottish independence referendum.
- They have educated people on key issues and improved popular understanding of politics.
- They have legitimised important constitutional changes such as devolution.
- NO
Comments
No comments have yet been made