Physics P1 4.4 Energy and the environment. A good example of this may be the EU Referendum in 2016. Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendums. Direct democracy - referendums give the public unmediated and direct control over a policy, making sure that the public's view is clearly articulated, not distorted by those who 'represent' them. The theoretical advantage of flexibility is one that is too easily exploited for self-serving reasons. 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'. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Advantages. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. 5. This lesson comprises: - a comparison of representative democracy and referendums - a list of UK referendums since 1973 and an accompanying PPT - how we use referendums in the UK - local and national - a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of referendums EEC Membership 1975 stopped the Labour government from collapsing. Retrieved from http://studymoose.com/describe-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-referendums-essay. 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'. It provides a level of political support for difficult decisions. Brexit is the abbreviation of "Britain Exit," which refers to the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. The European Union has spent much of their time bringing the country along, often reluctantly . Today's most discussed topic all over the world is the fact that UK will possibly leave the EU. A PowerPoint illustrating how referendums are used in the UK, and what their advantages are. Advantages and disadvantages of the referendum instrument. We explore what it means to be human in historical and cultural contexts, within ethical and legal norms and through languages and communication. What are the different types of referendums? Referendums are a direct vote by citizens on a political issue. First Past the Post does not give equal voting power across the UK. Interestingly, the SNP have threatened themselves to hold an unofficial referendum over Scottish Independence. Constitutional issues. 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. There have been a number of referendums in the UK: For what reasons might referendums be held? Citizens are protected from an over-powerful government. 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. 3. Is a vote in which the electorate can express a view on a particular issue of public policy. 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. 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. Although, other laws may be incorporated into it by reference in its provisions. Advisory Referendum A referendum in which the result is not legally binding. The referendum, as an instrument of political decision-making, has been the source of much consternation in 2016. There are also a number of arguments made against the use of referendums. For more information on this licence see: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0 . Therefore, for an official referendum to be held, the Westminster Parliament have to agree to it. by View Do the advantages of referendums outweigh the disadvantages from MC 527 at Jackson State University. Referendums are seen as positive as it is the most direct way for the public to participate in politics and know that their opinion and vote matter to the government. Focus. In his autobiography he said: I made the pledge (of holding a referendum) because I genuinely believed it was the right thing for Britain. This really is another downside associated with having referendums in the UK as arrters may lose interest in politics. This therefore suggests that referendums allow the public to have more power, as there is only a general election every five years. Now we have Britain's rejection of the EU. This took place on both sides of the debate. One advantage of Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendums Read More On the Leave side, however, the EU became a handy scapegoat for a wide range of socio-economic issues with a number of causes. [ 1] Referendums, by which citizens are given the opportunity to express a view on specific issues, have antecedents in the Middle Ages and earlier. Most marketers will recommend SEO, based on the . (26 Jun 2012), Experiences of PR open list system? Don't use plagiarized sources. Essay on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Trade. The Liberal Democrats, who were long-time supporters of electoral reform, insisted on this as part of the Coalition Agreement. 3 reasons why referendums are held. They are an example of direct democracy and contrast with the representative democracy that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies. The advantages of fibre optic certainly outweigh any disadvantages but it would be disingenuous not to mention the potential issues. However, realistically most are politically binding. The central governent is at Westmi. Answer (1 of 30): Good question, and one that throws a lot of confusion in the air. The Ways in Which Parliament Interacts with the Executive. Notably, five years on, the British population is probably now in a much better position to make a judgement on the issue of Brexit because there have been five years in which the population have learned more. Download Free PDF. Referendums and consultations are a form of political education for the general population. Before 1997, referendums were rarely used in the UK, due to concerns over the conflict with the principle of parliamentary democracy. On June 23 rd, referendum was announced from European Union.It was perhaps a better decision at state level that why would their country be . This can perhaps be seen by the four years of political turmoil after the referendum surrounding how Britain should actually withdraw from the EU. These topic pages provide a quick overview and easy access to all content that can be found on ACE for any give topic of interest - weather encyclopaedia files, electoral materials, comparative data, consolidated replies, case studies, or other. However, since 2011 there have been three nationwide referendums. 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. This is unlike an unwritten constitution because a written constitution is contained in one single document. . 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. . List of the Pros of Referendums. 2. Referendums spread power. Referendums are seen as positive as it is the most direct way for the public to participate in politics and know that their opinion and vote matter to the government. Opponents of referendums also argue that, if the executive has the power to determine when referendums are held, they can be used as a political tool to suit the needs of the governing party rather than the interests of democracy. Tyranny of the Majority A situation in which power over a decision is given solely to the group in the majority. This means that the Scottish Parliament, for example, cannot legislate to hold a referendum on independence without the explicit consent of the Westminster. 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'. Those who see virtue in the idea of a more direct . They are mainly designed to put pressure on a government who may themselves be refusing to offer a referendum. "No" voters in 2014 who feared that Scotland might find itself outside the EU - even temporarily - might view the economic risks and opportunities . (22 Aug 2013), Comparative examples of electoral procedures and legislation considering the customary laws of indigenous communities The legislative refers the question to the electorate. A good example of this is the referendum on the Good Friday Agreement that ended the Troubles on Northern Ireland and set up the power-sharing agreement between nationalist and republican communities. This is because electors lack the expertise to vote on complicated issues like Brexit. Holding referendums on key constitutional issues is a way to ensure an overpowering government cannot enforce its political will on the population. The levels of populism were a key criticism of the EU referendum in 2016 where both sides were accused of poor campaigning and misuse of facts and figures. The immediate aftermath of the referendum was a political shakeup. Setting rules for campaigning in the referendum including relating to spending. The advantages and disadvantages of different electrical energy sources. They can be seen as advantages for the democracy but also as disadvantages. 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. We are working to understand the impact of climate change on the planet and its people, to improve air quality, and developing new technologies to decarbonise energy and transport in partnership with industry and government. Similarly, in the period following the collapse of the Soviet Union there was an explosion in . Ill-informed decisions - the general public are less informed than elected politicians, and have no political experience. The chaos seen after the Brexit Referendum result can in part be attributed to the failure to adequately plan for both potential scenarios. Many people felt that their voices were heard where they had not been before. We are improving the health of people across the world through new discoveries, treatments and patient pathways and working in partnership to build a transformative health ecosystem in our region. Arguably, this makes the UK more democratic as the general public have a direct say on the decisions that the government makes and although they are not lawfully binding, they successfully require the federal government and parliament to adhere to the publics outcome. Rousseau and Mills argue that referendums represent the Tyranny of the majority. Thousands ofjobsare at stake in the North-East. Referendums can challenge parliamentary sovereignty and representative democracy. The Tyranny of the Majority refers to a situation in which the winning side can claim all of the authority. A post-legislative referendum This is a referendum held after a law is passed to confirm whether people are satisfied with it. To refer to . Another argument for direct democracy being used more widely in the UK is that it prevents the government and MPs making extremely unpopular decisions . Brexit was . constitutional change) have legitimacy, which is correct for any change that affects the governing of the country, May lead to ill-informed decisions, as the public may not know the specifics and consequences of a policy decision (unlike the government), Parliament is weakened, as sovereignty is undermined, so decisions are not made on the basis of careful discussion, debate and scrutiny, Governments can absolve themselves of responsibility, meaning they make themselves less accountable, Government could be strengthened- they decide the timing of referendums and can dominate the publicity campaign, meaning they could influence the result unfairly, Referendums provide a snapshot of public opinion at one time, so may not be the most reliable method of choosing a policy direction. The main policy of the SNP is a call for an independent Scotland. This creates an automatic bias. Soon after, the UK faced high inflation . Depending on the precise rules adopted, referendums and initiatives The Scottish referendum can be seen to have benefited David Cameron as Gordon Brown promised to give Scotland and its own parliament and powers if they voted no, increasing the pressure on Ed Miliband to come through with those promises. 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'. 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. 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. 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. This would create a de facto advisory referendum in Scotland, although completely unofficially. In addition to this, it covers the advantages and disadvantages of customs unions, including the loss of influence over one's country's trade policy and the possibility of . If Brexit goes ahead, grievances in communities will worsen, so I say to Labour colleagues: we did not get elected to make our constituents poorer and you know thats what Brexit will do. However, there was little discussion on what leaving would mean and how Britain might leave the EU. David Cameron undoubtedly promised (at least in part) to hold a referendum to ease the pressure on his party from the right and thereby win back UKIP members into the Conservative fold. 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. 5. Ill-informed decisions - the general public are less informed than elected politicians, and have no political . The result of this referendum was 80.7% in favour of independence. Brexit is a major constitutional change. (21 Mar 2011), Ballot paper design for multiple elections A good example of this is the Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014. EU Withdrawal Act (2018) -Also known as the Great Repeal Act this repealed the European Communities Act (1972). (20 Dec 2011), Proportional Representation in Hong Kong Government Brexit would eliminate protections of equal pay, maternity leave, and safe workplaces. Answer (1 of 4): The advantage of a referendum is that it is giving direct democratic control to the people. For example, the Westminster Government under Boris Johnson have pledged to prevent a Second Scottish Independence Referendum despite the widespread support for SNP. 3. See all Physics resources See all Energy resources . Disadvantages. CHAPTER 1: Introduction. They have to weigh up a number of competing issues, all of which will be of differing levels of importance to different to voters. This suggests that referendums are not always a true representation of what the public wants an outcome to be. On the other hand, serious thought needs to be given to the drawbacks and limitations of referendums before their use is increased. Here are the sticking points that were most important to the remain and leave camps during the Brexit process. This was more than a protest against the career opportunities that never knock and the affordable homes that never get built. Because if you dont, the political costs for both the leaders responsible and the country at large are often vast. . The pound depreciation as an aftereffect of Brexit. Direct democracy mechanisms have been adopted, in part, to counteract these tendencies. For example, David Cameron called the 2016 Referendum to deal with the electoral threat of UKIP whilst Tony Blair did not call a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, despite indicating he would do so. Referendum A general vote by the population on a single issue. The ministers indulge in corrupt practices because the people have no control over them. an academic expert within 3 minutes. Furthermore, if referendums are held too often, voter fatigue could occur. To confirm a transfer of powers Referendums will often be held to confirm a transfer of powers. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. As a response to the seeming public mood At times there may be circumstances in which there is a suggestion that the public mood on an issue deserves to be tested. Referendums in the United Kingdom. Vernon Bogdanor argues that just as joining the EU fundamentally altered the UK constitution, so Brexit could, by exposing the very nakedness of Britain's uncodified . . After 1975 there was a gap of 36 years before next nationwide referendum in 2011. The referendum was a rare example of direct, or participatory, democracy in the UK. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Sometimes an MP can be elected on a vote as low as only . RETRACTED However, there are also many disadvantages to having referendums . Brexit involves the process of negotiating new trade deals, citizen registration rules, borders, etc. First is their intrinsic worth as an exercise in direct democracy. Sometimes during referendums arguments can become distorted and emotionalised. Constitutional issues are a reserved, not devolved, power. For example, Good Friday Agreement . Being able to campaign in an affirmative way has clear psephological benefits. In the case of the EU Referendum, significant amounts of legislation, both primary and secondary, has had to been passed since 2016. List of the Cons of Brexit. This rhetoric undoubtedly did long-term damage to the UKs political system. . (15 Jun 2015), Direct Democratic Elections in Lebanon - How to Get There They differ from elections- an election fills an office (so does not directly affect policy), whereas referendums do directly affect policy. By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Additionally, as well as including the public on issues which the government make, it also stops the country from being an elective dictatorship. Cost. 10 reasons against Scottish independence. The creation of devolved governments was a huge constitutional change that took powers away from the UK Parliament. A post-legislative referendum this is a call for an independent Scotland needs to be held to confirm a of. Interacts with the representative democracy that usually dominates politics in Liberal democracies it provides a of! Therefore suggests that referendums are a reserved, not devolved, power all over the conflict with Executive. Hold advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk unofficial referendum over Scottish Independence referendum of 2014 be seen by four... Political system facto advisory referendum a referendum is that it is giving direct democratic control to the remain and camps. 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Most marketers will recommend SEO, based on the advantages and disadvantages of different electrical energy...., although completely unofficially argument for direct democracy mechanisms have been a number of arguments made the! Never knock and the country at large are often vast Withdrawal Act ( 2018 -Also! European Union has spent much of their time bringing the country along, reluctantly... As disadvantages refusing to offer a referendum in which the result is not legally binding 2014. Those who see virtue in the UK Parliament government can not enforce its political will on the population overpowering. What their advantages are we have Britain & # x27 ; s most discussed all!
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