Referendum campaigns engage national publics, often passive and sometimes actively excluded, in the business of political debate and decision-making. Additionally, referendums can be used to educate the public and raise citizens' awareness of political issues. In 2014, the wantaway region of Spain, Catalonia, held an unofficial referendum after being refused formal permission by the Spanish Government for a binding referendum. These include: Before the 2016 EU Referendum the question David Cameron preferred was should the UK remain a member of the EU?. List of the Pros of Referendums. Scottish Devolution 1997 means that it would be extremely hard for a future government to remove their power. In the case of the EU Referendum, significant amounts of legislation, both primary and secondary, has had to been passed since 2016. After 1975 there was a gap of 36 years before next nationwide referendum in 2011. 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? 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. Similarly, in the period following the collapse of the Soviet Union there was an explosion in . 98.9% of voters chose to remain in the UK (the referendum was boycotted by nationalists). Cost. 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 . Free Trade . In his autobiography Nick Clegg says: First Past the Post is enshrined in the DNA of the Conservative Party not least because it has consistently delivered Conservative majority governments, even as their share of the popular vote has steadily declined. The referendum increased participation, with a turnout of 72%. Subsequently, when Brexit was not immediately forthcoming, led to allegations that Parliament had betrayed the people. The referendum, as an instrument of political decision-making, has been the source of much consternation in 2016. Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE. To refer to . The process started on June 23, 2016, after the referendum passed by 51.9% to 48.1%. Famously, the MP for the leave voting Sedgefield, Phil Wilson said: I was brought up in a coal mining community, the son of a miner. Dr Adam Quinn, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Referendum campaigns themselves can be savagely divisive, especially when the prospect of a narrow victory tempts campaigners to use every argument at their disposal. The only real advantage in an uncodified constitution is that it avoids all the problems involved in achieving a codified one. Equality Feminism and Difference Feminism, Differing Views and Tensions Within Feminism, Differing Views and Tensions Within Liberalism, Measurements of Success Through Pressure Groups, Differing Views and Tensions Within Socialism, Differing Views and Tensions Within Conservatism, Public are given direct control over policy-making, ensuring their views and interests are directly reflected in policy, Helps to educate the public about important political questions, as they will be better-informed about key issues through referendum campaigns, Makes the government listen to the public more, as it is another way of voters communicating their thoughts other than just through elections, Provides a check on government power- governments dont control the outcome, Ensures that major changes (e.g. (22 Aug 2013), Comparative examples of electoral procedures and legislation considering the customary laws of indigenous communities In addition, they also had a say on whether . Another is that voters do not always have the capacity or information to make informed decisions about the issue at stake, and instead may make ill-informed decisions based on partial knowledge or on the basis of unrelated factors such as the state of the economy. Referendums provide the peoples opinion. 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?. 5. However, realistically most are politically binding. Devolved Power A matter devolved for decision-making by a regional assembly. Unofficial Referendum A referendum that has no legal basis. 1. Advantages of referendums. Focus. They differ from elections- an election fills an office (so does not directly affect policy), whereas referendums do directly affect policy. Depending on the precise rules adopted, referendums and initiatives In the 2015 General Election UKIP had won 3.8 million votes (12.6%) but had only secured one seat in Parliament. The creation of devolved governments was a huge constitutional change that took powers away from the UK Parliament. 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It says the cost of meeting the 60% carbon reduction goal, based on estimates from models of the energy system and economy, amount to between 0.3% and 1.5% of GDP, or in the range of 1.6bn to 12bn per year. Has sovereignty moved between different branches of government? Once the UK landscape had settled, the focus shifted to the risks and opportunities facing the nation. At elections, voters elected representatives to take difficult decisions on their behalf. Therefore this means that politicians who claim to 'represent' the public are not distorting them as . Referendums can settle long-standing and controversial issues once and for all. The first UK-wide referendum was held in __1975 __on the United Kingdom's continued membership of the European Community (European Union). The UK formally left the EU on 31 December 2020. Because if you dont, the political costs for both the leaders responsible and the country at large are often vast. I believe this strategy was the most likely way to keep Britain in the EU. There is also an argument that governments need a specific popular mandate for any transcendental changes that were not part of the original platform on which they campaigned. 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'. They are particularly good with Social Law reform, Ireland has used them to good effect here. This protects representatives in the future from some of the political comeback if the decision appears to be misguided. It is clear that when voting the UK population was not well-educated on Brexit. Those who see virtue in the idea of a more direct . Governments often choose to hold referendums for their own political purposes, rather than the public good. Subsequent events showed that there was a wide dispersity of views on how Britain should leave the EU and what leaving even meant. I really enjoy the effort put in. Referenda provide a clear answer to a question the government might be 'asking'. This took place on both sides of the debate. The Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014 and the Brexit Referendum of 2016 are examples of this. Soon after, the UK faced high inflation . 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'. Many prominent figures in British Politics had openly spoken out about the potential use of referendums 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 which has only too often been the instrument of Nazism and fascism Clement Attlee, The late Lord Attlee was right when he said that the referendum was a device of dictators and demagogues Margaret Thatcher. Pros and cons of Brexit. Moreover, even when looking at the people who did vote and the outcome which was achieved, referendums can never truly represent everyone and meet societys needs as a whole. Referendums in the United Kingdom. However, there was little discussion on what leaving would mean and how Britain might leave the EU. If concessions need to be made to those who committed crimes during a conflict, or if a course will impose severe economic costs, or if a divisive point principle is at issue, endorsement by direct popular vote will likely aid political stability, and also bind not just the present government, but those that follow it. 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. Good examples of this are the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014 and the EU Referendum in 2016. Referendum A general vote by the population on a single issue. On June 23, 2016, a referendum (public vote) was held in the UK for its withdrawal from the European Union. Whilst they are an example of direct democracy and put power in the hands of voters, there are a number of arguments to suggest that their operation should be limited and that they do more harm than good to British politics. Through the system of recall, they will be under the control of the people. In democracy it is generally seen that the ministers become corrupt and they favour their relatives and friends. Ill-informed decisions - the general public are less informed than elected politicians, and have no political . EU Withdrawal Act (2018) -Also known as the Great Repeal Act this repealed the European Communities Act (1972). Why is the wording of the question so important in a referendum? Technically, because of parliamentary sovereignty, all referendums in the UK are advisory. In 2014, had the population of Scotland voted to leave the UK then primary legislation would have had to have been passed to enable this. Much of the blame for this can be placed on the government of David Cameron that did very little contingency planning for a leave vote. This is because electors lack the expertise to vote on complicated issues like Brexit. 3. This ensures any newly created public body has democratic legitimacy. This makes them especially vulnerable to producing decisions based on false information and/or unrealistic beliefs about what alternatives are possible - often stoked by opportunistic actors within the political system. A good example of this is the Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014. The referendum was a rare example of direct, or participatory, democracy in the UK. What are the different types of referendums? They also claim that, since in many countries turnout at referendums is lower than at national elections, the argument that referendums increase the legitimacy of political decisions does not stand up. Is the Prime Minister Effectively a President? Several arguments are advanced in support of and in opposition to referendums. There is a consistent danger that referendums, because of their binary nature, become dominated by wider political issues and not just the issue on the ballot paper. Political pressure. An example of a one being used for this function is the 1998 referendum which was utilized to identify whether Blair and the Labour Party should devolve power to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. . Well occasionally send you promo and account related email. Now is the time for leadership, not followship. However, although referendums are important for democracy, referendums could be seen to be too complicated for the public to understand. This term refers to the idea that once a government gets into power, the public lose their say and ability to express their opinions, enabling the government to make decisions on our behalf instead of consulting with us. 52% of citizens voted to leave and 48% voted for the inverse. We are working with our partners to tackle inequalities in all aspects of society, striving to make change for a fairer world and one in which people can enjoy a fulfilling, rewarding life. However, referendums counteract this problem. European Communities Act (1972) -The Act of Parliament that saw Britain join the EEC in 1973. It could prove Britain's constitutional moment. Brexit was . Above all, the key principle of referendums for any government is this: if you call one, you had better be certain you are going to win. This would create a de facto advisory referendum in Scotland, although completely unofficially. Many people felt that their voices were heard where they had not been before. . Reserved Power Powers that are kept by the Westminster Government and not devolved, for example Defence. To confirm a transfer of powers Referendums will often be held to confirm a transfer of powers. (25 Marks) A referendum (sometimes referred to as a plebiscite). One of the major advantages of a written constitution is the fact that it can be easily consulted. By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. They have a number of important roles in regard to referendums. (23 Jul 2013), Changes to electoral systems/voting from abroad? By clicking Check Writers Offers, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. . 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, there are also many disadvantages to having referendums as they can cause voter fatigue which may result to poor voter turnouts and create a disinterest in politics. I know what happens when an industry closes the unemployment, the poverty, the loss of hope, the years it takes to get back on your feet, the grievances that still play out today. This suggests that referendums are not usually a true rendering of the particular public wants an result to be. Download Free PDF. Referendums can challenge parliamentary sovereignty and representative democracy. Referendums are used frequently in the UK. A Second Referendum. The Term Brexit was coined for the process of the UK leaving the European Union followed by the different advantages and disadvantages of it to the country. Before 1997, referendums were rarely used in the UK, due to concerns over the conflict with the principle of parliamentary democracy. Is a vote in which the electorate can express a view on a particular issue of public policy. This could be seen as undemocratic as only just over half of the voting populations decision was accounted for. In the 2015 General Election UKIP won 12.6% of the votes, taking many votes away from the Conservatives. One is that it weakens representative democracy by undermining the role and importance of elected representatives. A referendum helps to make decisions legitimate and confirms the principle of government by consent. This led to the EEC Referendum in 1975 in which 67.2% of voters chose to remain in the EEC. . resolve issues which government and individual parties are unlikely to be able to resolve easily. Referendums in a direct democracy give the general public direct and unmediated control over government decision-making. First is their intrinsic worth as an exercise in direct democracy. -gives more legitimacy that just a simple act of parliament. The advantages of fibre optic certainly outweigh any disadvantages but it would be disingenuous not to mention the potential issues. Weakens parliament - referendums undermine parliamentary sovereignty, and are decisions that are not made on the basis of deliberation and debate. Therefore, it is not really the exercise in direct democracy. For example, the Westminster Government under Boris Johnson have pledged to prevent a Second Scottish Independence Referendum despite the widespread support for SNP. 3. Referendums are a direct vote by citizens on a political issue. A successful referendum is incumbent on the ability to deliver on either of its potential outcomes and the EU Referendum in 2016 did not fulfil this criterion. The immediate aftermath of the referendum was a political shakeup. The issue realistically has to be broken into a binary question. The Liberal Democrats, who were long-time supporters of electoral reform, insisted on this as part of the Coalition Agreement. For example, British voters were given a choice in 2016 on whether to stay in or leave the European Union. This makes it different to an election, where the electorate vote for a representative, and where the result might change the government. Referendums have become more widely used since 1997 and have helped to decide controversial policies. RETRACTED Ok, let me say Im extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. Most marketers will recommend SEO, based on the . However, a clause in the bill said that 40% of the whole electorate had to vote yes and only 32.8% did so, Whether Britain should remain or leave the EEC, 67.2% of voters chose to remain in the EEC, Whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the UK or should be part of the Republic of Ireland. Disadvantages of referendums. Ill-informed decisions - the general public are less informed than elected politicians, and have no political experience. 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. In fact, the Government had already tried to use a Referendum in 1973 to settle the Irish issue but it was boycotted by Republicans as they did not feel the settlement it addressed their issues. Brexit became incredibly emotionalised and was not a referendum in which facts seemed to mean for very much. 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. (08 Aug 2008), Representation of women in Ukraine In total 406 constituencies voted Leave in the Brexit Referendum but only around 160 MPs had voted to leave. Political division in both the UK and Colombia has been markedly intensified by the 2016 campaigns there. Second, in the cases of difficult negotiations over a peace settlement in societies afflicted by years of civil conflict, the prospect of a popular vote on the final deal concentrates the minds of those negotiating on coming up proposals that can be politically sustained. On one hand, you have SEO's more organic approach, where you gradually cultivate an audience, strengthen trust, and build your brand awareness. Furthermore, if referendums are placed too often, 'voter fatigue' may occur. Explain the Benefits and Downsides of using Referendums in the UK? Politicians spend time becoming expert about political issues. This can be seen in how Boris Johnson tried to approach Brexit upon becoming PM in July 2019 when he was willing (or at least appeared to be willing) to risk a No-Deal Brexit in the name of representing the 52% of the UK who voted to leave. However, there are also many disadvantages to having referendums . It was a protest against . Public are given direct control over policy-making, ensuring their views and interests are directly reflected in policy . Brexit is now a moral issue, and the next few weeks will test our moral resolve. "No" voters in 2014 who feared that Scotland might find itself outside the EU - even temporarily - might view the economic risks and opportunities . Why is the Brexit Referendum a good case study of some of the issues with Referendums? , it is not really the exercise in direct democracy give the public! 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