referendums positive impact on democracy Flashcards
(7 cards)
Debate themes
- Do referendums benefit RD
- Why they are held
- Turnout and political awareness
For: Do referendums benefit RD
Referendums involve the public directly in political decision-making, especially on significant issues that impact them.
2014 IndyRef - national independence shouldn’t be decided by anyone other than the Scottish people.
Referendums provide a clear, focused decision on a single isolated issue, unlike GE which involve multiple topics.
They are especially valuable when:
Public trust in politicians is low.
Political parties are internally divided - Brexit + Conservatives
General elections do not offer a clear choice on specific issues.
The 2016 Brexit Referendum illustrated public disagreement with Parliament (75% of MPs supported Remain), yet the result was still implemented + many more proBrexit MPs being elected in the 2017 and 2019 elections.
Referendums enhance accountability by giving people a voice between general elections.
They serve as a check on government power and support representative democracy rather than undermine it - elective dictatorship!
The Electoral Commission regulates referendums:
Ensures fair campaign spending.
Reviews and amends biased or unclear ballot wording (e.g., changed the 2016 EU referendum question for neutrality).
Against: Do referendums benefit RD
Referendums challenge parliamentary sovereignty + representative democracy.
The UK system is based on elected representatives making informed decisions on behalf of the public.
Ordinary voters may lack the expertise to make decisions on complex issues, which are often oversimplified in referendum questions.
Voters can be misled by distorted or false campaign claims:
Example: 2016 Brexit campaign falsely claimed £350 million/week would go to the NHS.
The Electoral Commission reported distortions from both sides in the 2016 referendum and recommended better regulation of referendum campaigns.
Referendums can be divisive + disrupt the functioning of RD.
Brexit caused a rift between Parliament (which largely supported Remain) and the public (which voted Leave).
The conflict between referendum outcomes and MPs’ views led to legislative gridlock and calls for a second referendum supported by many MPs.
Brexit created political instability for years and polarised the electorate.
It contributed to a rightward shift in the Conservative Party and required a general election (2019) to resolve the political deadlock.
Referendums may create more problems than they solve, especially when the outcome clashes with the parliamentary majority.
For: Why they are held
Referendums are sometimes held due to public pressure, especially when Parliament does not reflect public opinion.
This is democratic and helps ensure the population is properly represented.
2014 Scottish Independence Referendum:
Held after rising SNP support and polling showed strong support for independence.
2016 Brexit Referendum:
Reflected growing support for UKIP and leaving the EU.
UKIP won 26.6% in the 2014 European Parliament elections — the largest share.
Referendums provide legitimacy to major constitutional changes, especially in the UK’s uncodified constitution.
Since Tony Blair’s government, it’s become standard to consult the public before key constitutional reforms. (convention)
Devolution referendums (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) gave legitimacy to the creation of new devolved governments.
Referendums help ensure constitutional changes are widely accepted and unlikely to be reversed.
Against: Why they are held
Referendums are sometimes called due to political party interests, not democratic pressure. This can undermine democracy, as key constitutional decisions may be made for partisan advantage.
1975 European Economic Community Referendum:
Harold Wilson used a referendum to avoid splitting the Labour Party over Europe.
Delegating the decision to the public helped him maintain party unity and protect his leadership.
2016 Brexit Referendum:
David Cameron - Promising an EU referendum helped the Conservatives counter UKIP and win the 2015 election.
For: Turnout and political awareness
Referendums increase voter engagement and raise political awareness, particularly on major constitutional issues.
2014 Scottish Independence Referendum:
Sparked wide public debate on topics like the economy and Trident.
Had a high turnout of 84.6%, including many 16–17-year-olds (expanded franchise).
2016 Brexit Referendum:
Turnout was 72.2%, higher than in recent general elections.
Engaged disillusioned voters, giving them a sense of influence over key national decisions.
Educated the public on the EU’s role in UK politics—topics like sovereignty and trade became mainstream.
Against: Turnout and political awareness
High turnout in some referendums is not typical; many have low turnout, which undermines legitimacy of outcomes.
2011 AV Referendum: National referendum with only 42.2% turnout.
1997 Welsh Devolution Referendum:
Only 50.1% turnout; 50.3% voted ‘yes’ — a weak mandate.
2011 Welsh Further Devolution Referendum: Just 35.6% turnout.
Local referendums often even lower:
2012 Birmingham Mayoral Referendum: 27.6% turnout.
2012 Bristol Mayoral Referendum: 24.1% turnout, despite success.
Many people vote in referendums not on the issue, but as a protest vote against parties or the political system - undermines the democratic quality of the decision.
2011 AV Referendum:
Widespread rejection of AV may have been influenced by anger at the Liberal Democrats, who became unpopular after breaking their tuition fees pledge in 2010.
