Referendums Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is a referendum?
A direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of a new law or policy.
True or False: Referendums are legally binding in all circumstances.
False
What is the purpose of a referendum?
To allow citizens to make decisions on specific issues or policies directly.
Fill in the blank: A referendum can be called by the __________ or through a petition by the electorate.
government
What is a plebiscite?
A type of referendum that usually involves a vote on a specific issue rather than a law or policy.
Which UK referendum occurred in 2016?
The Brexit referendum on whether the UK should remain in or leave the European Union.
True or False: Referendums can only be held at the national level.
False
What is the difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy?
Direct democracy involves citizens voting directly on laws or policies, while representative democracy involves elected officials making decisions on behalf of the electorate.
What is a ‘trigger’ in the context of a referendum?
The event or circumstance that prompts the government to call for a referendum.
Name one advantage of holding a referendum.
It empowers citizens to have a direct say in important decisions.
What is a disadvantage of referendums?
They may oversimplify complex issues into a binary choice.
True or False: Referendums are commonly used in the UK.
False
What is the role of the Electoral Commission in referendums?
To oversee the conduct of referendums and ensure fairness in the process.
Fill in the blank: A referendum may require a __________ majority to pass.
simple
What is ‘turnout’ in the context of a referendum?
The percentage of eligible voters who participate in the voting process.
What term describes the situation when a referendum result does not meet a required threshold for validity?
Quorum failure
Which prominent political figure advocated for a referendum on EU membership in the UK?
David Cameron
True or False: All referendums require a specific legal framework.
True
What is the term for a referendum that is held to gauge public opinion rather than to make a binding decision?
Advisory referendum
What was the result of the Scottish independence referendum in 2014?
The majority voted to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Fill in the blank: Referendums often involve extensive __________ campaigns by various interest groups.
campaigning
What is the term for the legal and procedural requirements necessary to hold a referendum?
Referendum legislation
What is the significance of the ‘Sovereignty’ argument in referendums?
It often pertains to whether power should reside with the electorate or a governing body.
What do the terms ‘yes’ and ‘no’ represent in a referendum?
The two opposing choices that voters can select regarding the proposal.
