Distinctions between elections and referendums

Elections deal with a wide range of issues but referendums are concerned with a single issue.

The 1973 referendum only decided if Northern Ireland should leave the UK

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Elections elect representatives but referendums do not elect anyone.

The 2011 AV referendum chose if the UK voting system should be changed

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Elections are held at regular intervals but referendums may be held at any time.

Elections are held every 5 years in the UK but there have been 11 referendums in the UK since 1973

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Elections give a complex range of answers but referendums give one simple “yes” or “no” answer.

The 2014 Scottish referendum gave a “no” answer to Scotland leaving the United Kingdom

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Elections concern political parties but referendums usually cut across party differences.

The proposed election for the UK leaving the EU cuts across different ideas from different parties

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Other cards in this set

Elections elect representatives but referendums do not elect anyone.

The 2011 AV referendum chose if the UK voting system should be changed

Elections are held at regular intervals but referendums may be held at any time.

Elections give a complex range of answers but referendums give one simple “yes” or “no” answer.

Elections concern political parties but referendums usually cut across party differences.

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