Referendums
A referendum is a vote on a single issue and provides a way of having direct
democracy in a system of representative democracy.
Usually take a yes/no format in response to a question
There can be thresholds that need to be met. Eg. 1979 Scottish Devolution
referendum only needed 40% of the total electorate to agree, even though the
yes vote won anyway, it didn’t necessarily have the percentage of the whole
electorate.
They are not legally binding in the UK as parliament is sovereign.
Distinguishing between elections and referendums
Elections Referendums
Vote on a variety of issues Vote on single issues
Vote to elect a gov Irregular
Regularly held Not legally binding
Legally binding
Why are referendums used?
1. To provide legitimacy for reforms – Since Blair, it has become acceptable to gain
a show of public support before a change, making it hard to argue against
legislation that has public support. Eg. 1979 Scottish Devolution.
2. When there is division within government on an issue – avoids making a
government fall. Eg. BREXIT split the conservatives
3. When government is reluctant to make final decision – allows ministers to put
di icult issues to the people. Eg. Welsh Referendum 1979 & 1997 as the
government could not have certainty on which side would win.
4. For local issues – eg. whether to introduce a congestion charge in Edinburgh.
5. A coalition deal – eg. 2010 Liberal-Cons involved the promise of a vote to reform
FPTP.
A referendum is a vote on a single issue and provides a way of having direct
democracy in a system of representative democracy.
Usually take a yes/no format in response to a question
There can be thresholds that need to be met. Eg. 1979 Scottish Devolution
referendum only needed 40% of the total electorate to agree, even though the
yes vote won anyway, it didn’t necessarily have the percentage of the whole
electorate.
They are not legally binding in the UK as parliament is sovereign.
Distinguishing between elections and referendums
Elections Referendums
Vote on a variety of issues Vote on single issues
Vote to elect a gov Irregular
Regularly held Not legally binding
Legally binding
Why are referendums used?
1. To provide legitimacy for reforms – Since Blair, it has become acceptable to gain
a show of public support before a change, making it hard to argue against
legislation that has public support. Eg. 1979 Scottish Devolution.
2. When there is division within government on an issue – avoids making a
government fall. Eg. BREXIT split the conservatives
3. When government is reluctant to make final decision – allows ministers to put
di icult issues to the people. Eg. Welsh Referendum 1979 & 1997 as the
government could not have certainty on which side would win.
4. For local issues – eg. whether to introduce a congestion charge in Edinburgh.
5. A coalition deal – eg. 2010 Liberal-Cons involved the promise of a vote to reform
FPTP.
