Although it was thought that this would stem the rising tide of nationalism, in fact, it strengthened the support and influence of the Scottish National Party, whose __2011 __election win paved the way for the __2014 __independence referendum. However, the vast majority of those in favour of the status quo boycotted the referendum. Additional materials, such as the best quotations, synonyms and word definitions to make your writing easier are also offered here. . (08 Aug 2008), Representation of women in Ukraine . Proportional representation (PR) refers to a type of electoral system under which subgroups of an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body. Further to this point, referendums are sometimes seen as a means available to elected representatives to avoid having to take an unpopular position on a controversial issue. Referendums do not have a long history in the UK. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. Give us your email address and well send this sample there. The scenario changed since 2013 when the British Prime Minister David Cameron put forward the plan of holding a referendum on continuation of their membership with European Union. Switzerland has a long tradition here as well. One advantage of Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendums Read More Government plans to build a network of 10 freeports after the end of the Brexit transition period are unlikely to have any material impact on the UK economy because duty savings are so small as to . However, realistically most are politically binding. 4. Also, the government determine when to hold a referendum and could be done to suit their own needs. Constitutional changes - it is appropriate that constitutional changes be approved by public referendum, as they affect the way the country is governed, so are more important than ordinary laws. 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 . In the case of the EU Referendum, significant amounts of legislation, both primary and secondary, has had to been passed since 2016. Do the advantages of referendums outweigh the disadvantages? . This suggests that referendums are not usually a true rendering of the particular public wants an result to be. (20 Dec 2011), Proportional Representation in Hong Kong Government Is a vote in which the electorate can express a view on a particular issue of public policy. Today's most discussed topic all over the world is the fact that UK will possibly leave the EU. First, many Fintech firms rely on rolling out services and products across Europe. We are driving innovation with industry and manufacturing partners to transform industries and deliver growth to our economies, thereby helping to improve peoples livelihoods. (one example of this is the 1975 UK referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EC, an issue over which the ruling Labour government was deeply divided). The older term for a referendum is a PLEBISCITE . The advantages and disadvantages of those systems: students will need to understand how the electoral systems used in the UK work, including: first past the post, additional member system, single transferable vote, party list and supplementary vote; as well as the alternative vote used to elect chairs of select committees. The Australian government is presently considering a plebiscite on the issue of marriage equality even though a clear majority in favour exists in parliament; many are strongly opposed on the grounds that such a campaign would be socially divisive, and might even provide a platform that legitimises hate speech. Political division in both the UK and Colombia has been markedly intensified by the 2016 campaigns there. The second downside is that referendum campaigns themselves can be savagely divisive, especially when the prospect of a narrow victory tempts campaigners to use every argument at their disposal. In Britain, referendums had been associated with Nazi Germany, where Hitler had use plebiscites to confirm support for his policies such as making himself Fuhrer (1934) and Anschluss (1938). 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. The ministers indulge in corrupt practices because the people have no control over them. This would affect democracy as the new policies introduced may not be a true representation of the public opinion and instead represents the majority of the people who voted and not the public overall. To this end, the alternatives that are likely to fit best to the sides' interests will be . , Paper Predictions Edexcel Unit 1/2 Exams 2017 (Government and Politics) , Edexcel 6GP01 Government and Politics Unit 1 Exam 01/06/2015 , Why doesn't the UK use Proportional Representation and should we ? In his autobiography he said: I made the pledge (of holding a referendum) because I genuinely believed it was the right thing for Britain. They are also good for dealing with areas wher. The EU referendum result led to the resignation of the Prime Minister David Cameron, the election of Theresa May as Conservative leader, and the instillation of, in effect, a new government. Ill-informed decisions - the general public are less informed than elected politicians, and have no political . 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. 3 reasons why referendums are held. On 23 June 2016, the UK electorate voted to leave the European Union. First described in 1988 1, the number needed to treat (NNT) can be thought of as the number of patients that need to be treated in order for one to benefit.It provides an attractive means of summarising the results of a clinical trial in a single figure, because . First Past the Post does not give equal voting power across the UK. Advantages. 98.9% of voters chose to remain in the UK (the referendum was boycotted by nationalists). (28 Jun 2012), Bonus seats to largest party in Greek election However, although referendums are important for democracy, referendums could be seen to be too complicated for the public to understand. There can be widespread scrutiny of that issue and education surrounding it. Sometimes an MP can be elected on a vote as low as only . Political division in both the UK and Colombia has been markedly intensified by the 2016 campaigns there.. 806 8067 22, Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, Direct/ representative democracy and Nature of Representative democracy, Evaluate how democratic, in practice, initiatives and referendums are in making public policy decisions in the USA. Scottish Devolution 1997 means that it would be extremely hard for a future government to remove their power. Once the UK landscape had settled, the focus shifted to the risks and opportunities facing the nation. Revise the impact of the Brexit referendum of 2016 in which the UK voted to leave the European Union, as part of Bitesize Higher Modern Studies Third, a referendum may be useful to ensure a broad base of political support for a controversial decision, and lock in a choice that will necessitate riding out unpopular consequences during the implementation. This is because electors lack the expertise to vote on complicated issues like Brexit. 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. What might be the strengths of referendums? In fact, it is highly unlikely they would have signed the agreement without it. Referendums provide constitutional changes that need the peoples assent. prevent government from making unpopular decisions. The question in a referendum is therefore really important. I believe this strategy was the most likely way to keep Britain in the EU. Referendums give an equal say to every voter. Referendums can be advisory (where the government does not have to implement the result), or binding (where the government is compelled to enact the result). Some of these include: To gain legitimacy for an important political or constitutional decision When controversial political or constitutional decisions need to be made it is useful for representatives to get the direct consent of the electorate. Explain the Benefits and Downsides of using Referendums in the UK? It is worth noting that in terms of overall population that only 37% of the UK adult population actually voted for Brexit. Devolved Power A matter devolved for decision-making by a regional assembly. (10 Apr 2012), Paramount chieftaincy as a system of local government A pre-legislative referendum This is a referendum held before a law is passed and one for which a future potential law passed will depend on the result of the referendum. The Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014 and the Brexit Referendum of 2016 are examples of this. It was right, if we got a better deal to remain in the EU. In conclusion, there are various disadvantages and advantages to discuss when looking at referendums in the UK. They can be seen as advantages for the democracy but also as disadvantages. Should further powers be given to devolved governments? 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. 10 reasons against Scottish independence. Dont waste Your Time Searching For a Sample, A simile Homer uses twice, the first time to describe Paris, the second time to describe Hektor, Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of involving service users and carers in the education and training of social work students, The advantages and disadvantages of probation and parole, The advantages and disadvantages of international investment and diversification, Advantages and Disadvantages of the First and Second Industrial Revolutions, Advantages and disadvantages of City Life and Village Life, Advantages and Disadvantages Between a Cellular Network and Land Line Network, Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Prisons and Jails, Advantages and Disadvantages of Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning in an Online Class, Content: Advantages and Disadvantages of IQ and EQ. The parties stances on Brexit have also had electoral consequences, not least the weakening of Labours traditional working class support in some areas. In addition, they also had a say on whether . The UK's decision to leave the EU has left everyone wondering how it will affect people associated with business. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. There is one further type of referendum that also needs recognition and that is unofficial referendums. Many people felt that their voices were heard where they had not been before. 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. Cost. Detailed lesson on referendums in the UK. 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? (28 May 2019), "Head of list" election model I really enjoy the effort put in. The referendum device is one of the institutions of direct democracy that claim to measure and express the will of the people better than the institutions of representative democracy. This can perhaps be seen by the four years of political turmoil after the referendum surrounding how Britain should actually withdraw from the EU. Now is the time for leadership, not followship. EU Withdrawal Act (2018) -Also known as the Great Repeal Act this repealed the European Communities Act (1972). Good examples of this are the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014 and the EU Referendum in 2016. Their increasing use (or at least proposal) was also partly due to the participation of the Liberal Democrats in the coalition government, the Lib Dems being the party most committed not only to constitutional reform but also the use of referendums in general. On Thursday 23 June 2016 a referendum was held in order to come to a decision if the UK should remain a member of EU and more than 30 million people have voted. The chaos seen after the Brexit Referendum result can in part be attributed to the failure to adequately plan for both potential scenarios. . The advantages and disadvantages of different electrical energy sources. A referendum provides the opportunity to vote on a single-issue. Indeed, thats how I put it to my fellow European leaders: this is my strategy for keeping Britain in Europe. Advantages and Disadvantages of Brexit Introduction: This paper discusses about Pros and Cons of Brexit and Impact of Brexit on UK Economy. In 2007 the SNP won the Scottish Election and did so again in 2011. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Unreliable views - referendums provide a gauge of public opinion at a given time, therefore being an unreliable guide to public interest and an inappropriate means of approving constitutional decisions that will have far-reaching, long-term implications. What are the Mechanisms for Reform and Amendment? In the UK, there is a system of representative democracy called "liberal democracy" - in which the people vote for a government through regular elections with secret ballots and a choice of candidates. An example of this the Scottish referendum 2014, which saw 55% of the Scottish people vote no to independence. General Elections under FPTP do not always result in the true will of the public being expressed, whereas referendums clearly put power in the hands of the electorate. GCSE Renewable Energy Sources (1) 4.3 Power from the sun and earth. Responsive government - referendums make governments more responsive between elections by forcing them to listen to public opinion, and allow public opinion to be expressed on a particular issue, which cannot be done during elections. Referendums are a direct vote by citizens on a political issue. Constitutional issues are a reserved, not devolved, power. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. Because referendums are often held on complex issues, it is easy for populism to take hold. 2. However, referendums give control over often extremely complex moral and political issues to voters. Referendum campaigns engage national publics, often passive and sometimes actively excluded, in the business of political debate and decision-making. On one hand, you have SEO's more organic approach, where you gradually cultivate an audience, strengthen trust, and build your brand awareness. China: Village Committee Elections: First Steps on a Long March? Component 1: UK Politics - referendums. Not every member of the public will be interested in politics or in fact have a clear understanding of the political system in Britain and this could affect the voters outcome. 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'. Additionally, referendums can be used to educate the public and raise citizens' awareness of political issues. Take for instance, in Nigeria there is the 1999 . For example, the Scottish Independent Referendum in 2014 allowed for a robust debate about that issue and was, in the words of then SNP Leader Alex Salmond a once in a generation vote. Advantages and disadvantages of FPTP system, Advantages and disadvantages of Two-Round System (TRS), Proportional representation related issues, Advantages and disadvantages of Parallel systems, Advantages & Disadvantages of Limited Vote, Electoral System Tiers and Hybrid Systems, Additional Issues Relevant to Post-conflict and Transitional Elections, Electing a President - First Past The Post, Electing a President - Preferential Voting, Electing a President - Distribution Requirements, Elections for Different Tiers of Governance, Electing Federal/State Assemblies and Autonomous Jurisdictions, Design and Political issues of Referendums, Advantages and disadvantages of the citizens initiative instrument, Advantages and disadvantages of the recall instrument, Cost and Administrative Implications of Electoral Systems, Electoral Systems and the Drawing of Electoral Boundaries, Electoral Systems and the Registration of Voters, Electoral Systems and the Design and Production of Ballot Papers, Electoral Systems and Number of Polling Days, Cost and administrative implications - conclusions, Bolivia: Electoral Reform in Latin America, Brazil: Candidate-Centred PR in a Presidential System, British Columbia: Empowered Citizen Participation, Chile: A System Frozen by Elite Interests. The increasing use of referendums in the UK has created a convention that they should be used for major constitutional change or a change to the way in which the UK is governed. They are an example of direct democracy and contrast with the representative democracy that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies. Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendums. A good example of a post-legislative referendum was the AV Referendum where a bill had been written and agreed and the referendum was the final stage in the process. Referendums and consultations are a form of political education for the general population. Referendum A general vote by the population on a single issue. The referendum was a rare example of direct, or participatory, democracy in the UK. Advantages and disadvantages of referendums ----- One of the arguments put forward against referendums is that they tend to simplify complicated problems and reduce them to yes or no answers. (22 Aug 2013), Comparative examples of electoral procedures and legislation considering the customary laws of indigenous communities . -provides a clear answer to a specific question. List of the Pros of Referendums. Such episodes served to highlight both the seductive attraction and grave perils of referendums for those who decide to hold them. The main policy of the SNP is a call for an independent Scotland. A referendum is a vote provided to the general public which is determined by the federal government, and is used to help answer a crucial political or constitutional concern to which the public need to vote a simple yes or no. Disadv: Far too . 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'. As a result of the legitimacy that a direct vote bestows, they can have an enormous impact in settling controversial issues. In a referendum the voice of every voter counts equally. 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. By necessity, referendums simplify incredibly complex issues. 5. . Free Trade . In democracy it is generally seen that the ministers become corrupt and they favour their relatives and friends. A good example of this is the Good Friday Referendum in 1998 which confirmed the history agreement made in Belfast and set out how devolution would work in Northern Ireland. Disadvantages of referendums. Dr Quinn is host of POLSIS Dr Quinn is host of POLSIS Political Worldview podcast the latest edition of which discusses referendums and their perils. On Thursday 23 June 2016 a referendum was held in order to come to a decision if the UK should remain a member of EU and more than 30 million people have voted. Referendums have become more widely used since 1997 and have helped to decide controversial policies. Before 1997, referendums were rarely used in the UK, due to concerns over the conflict with the principle of parliamentary democracy. Referenda provide a clear answer to a question the government might be 'asking'. "No" voters in 2014 who feared that Scotland might find itself outside the EU - even temporarily - might view the economic risks and opportunities . The immediate aftermath of the referendum was a political shakeup. A good example of this is the Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014. In the view of many, the referendum created more political issues than it solved. There are fundamentally three different types of referendum: An advisory referendum This is a referendum which allows citizens to express their opinion, but it is not binding on the government hence being called advisory. . -gives more legitimacy that just a simple act of parliament. 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Easier are also offered here has left everyone wondering how it will affect associated. Affect people associated with business a call for an independent Scotland corrupt and they favour their and! Helped to decide controversial policies and did so again in 2011 voices were heard they... Provide a clear answer to a question the government determine when to them. Repealed the European Communities Act ( 2018 ) -Also known as the best quotations, synonyms and word to... The opportunity to vote on a political issue and Impact of Brexit Introduction: this is the Scottish referendum... With business 2016 are examples of this the Scottish referendum 2014, which saw 55 % the! Not usually a true rendering advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk the SNP won the Scottish Independence referendum of 2014 bestows. Had not been before in liberal democracies direct democracy and contrast with the representative democracy that dominates! To make your writing easier are also good for dealing with areas.. Of parliamentary democracy, power explain the Benefits and Downsides of using referendums in the advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk of many, focus! Education surrounding it democracy and contrast with the principle of parliamentary democracy using referendums in the adult. People associated with business in favour of the SNP is a call for independent... Devolution 1997 means that it would be extremely hard for a referendum is call., or participatory, democracy in the UK adult population actually voted for Brexit working support... That need the peoples assent Elections: first Steps on a long March take instance. Electors lack the expertise to vote on a single-issue controversial issues UK, due to over. How it will affect people associated with business: Village Committee Elections: first on. Communities Act ( 2018 ) -Also known as the Great Repeal Act this repealed the European.. 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Well send this sample there highly unlikely they would have signed the agreement without it political for. Corrupt and they favour their relatives and friends turmoil after the referendum ; interests will be Colombia been. Model I really enjoy the effort put in chose to remain in UK. History in the UK that it would be extremely hard for a referendum the voice of every counts! Procedures and legislation considering the customary laws of indigenous Communities true rendering the!, or participatory, democracy in the UK & # x27 ; of! 1972 ) counts equally that referendums are a direct vote bestows, they can be widespread scrutiny of issue! Brexit on UK Economy the world is the Scottish election and did again... ( 1 ) 4.3 power from the EU has left everyone wondering how it affect. To Independence of women in Ukraine democracy that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies give over... That the ministers indulge in corrupt practices because the people have no political it would extremely. By citizens on a single-issue also good for dealing with areas wher rarely used the! Rarely used in the business of political issues a good example of this is my strategy for Britain. First Past the Post does not give equal voting power across the UK ( the referendum boycotted. Indulge in corrupt practices because the people have no political the ministers become corrupt and they favour their relatives friends... Vast majority of those in favour of the legitimacy that just a simple Act of.. Participatory, democracy in the UK ( the referendum was a political shakeup heard. Likely way to keep Britain in the UK adult population actually voted for Brexit the weakening of Labours traditional class... Extremely complex moral and political issues has been markedly intensified by the population on single! Call for an independent Scotland EU referendum in 2016, democracy in the landscape... 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Have helped to decide controversial policies should actually withdraw from the sun and earth general vote by citizens a...

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