advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk

On the other hand, serious thought needs to be given to the drawbacks and limitations of referendums before their use is increased. Students looking for free, top-notch essay and term paper samples on various topics. 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'. See all Physics resources See all Energy resources . 3. This is unlike an unwritten constitution because a written constitution is contained in one single document. Essay on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Trade. Scottish Devolution 1997 means that it would be extremely hard for a future government to remove their power. , Edexcel 6GP01 Government and Politics Unit 1 Exam 20/05/2014 . Possible Constraints on a Prime Ministers Power. Additional materials, such as the best quotations, synonyms and word definitions to make your writing easier are also offered here. Has sovereignty moved between different branches of government? To this end, the alternatives that are likely to fit best to the sides' interests will be . Equality Feminism and Difference Feminism, Differing Views and Tensions Within Feminism, Differing Views and Tensions Within Liberalism, Measurements of Success Through Pressure Groups, Differing Views and Tensions Within Socialism, Differing Views and Tensions Within Conservatism, Public are given direct control over policy-making, ensuring their views and interests are directly reflected in policy, Helps to educate the public about important political questions, as they will be better-informed about key issues through referendum campaigns, Makes the government listen to the public more, as it is another way of voters communicating their thoughts other than just through elections, Provides a check on government power- governments dont control the outcome, Ensures that major changes (e.g. 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. (2016, May 11). Well occasionally send you promo and account related email. Retrieved from http://studymoose.com/describe-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-referendums-essay. Referendums are used frequently in the UK. Those who see virtue in the idea of a more direct . Disadvantages of FPTP Minority of the vote : In most constituencies more people (in total) vote against the winning candidate than for them. Should UK adopt a written constitution considering advantages and disadvantages? For many people Brexit was a magnificent exercise in democracy in Britain. (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). Referendums can settle long-standing and controversial issues once and for all. Independent schools provide a very positive learning environment for their pupils, with some of the best teacher-pupil ratios in the country, excellent learner support facilities and other resources . Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendums. 1. 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. One advantage of using referendums in the UK is that they enable the public that are over 18 to approve or disprove important . Also, the government determine when to hold a referendum and could be done to suit their own needs. They are particularly good with Social Law reform, Ireland has used them to good effect here. (16 Nov 2018), Limits to universal suffrage However, a clause in the bill said that 40% of the whole electorate had to vote yes and only 32.8% did so, Whether Britain should remain or leave the EEC, 67.2% of voters chose to remain in the EEC, Whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the UK or should be part of the Republic of Ireland. By necessity, referendums simplify incredibly complex issues. Referendums are overall a good tool for democracy, as they make constitutional decisions more legitimate and provide a check on government power, however they are vulnerable to ill-informed votes and may be an inadequate method of approving constitutional changes that will have a very large impact. 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. Physics P1 4.4 Energy and the environment. This suggests that referendums are not always a true representation of what the public wants an outcome to be. However, the vast majority of those in favour of the status quo boycotted the referendum. Therefore, it is not really the exercise in direct democracy. They are currently taking the UK Government to the Supreme Court over the refusal of Westminster to countenance a second independence referendum. By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Several arguments are advanced in support of and in opposition to referendums. Brexit was . This is another disadvantage associated with holding referendums in the UK as voters may lose interest in politics. There is one further type of referendum that also needs recognition and that is unofficial referendums. However, when it became obvious that we simply wouldnt join a government at all without a commitment to a referendum on voting reform, their appetite for power outweighed (rightly, as it turned out) their fear of losing power . Devolution in Scotland and Wales was presented in 1998 as the bulk of the general public voted yes in regards to wanting more power. (15 Jun 2015), Direct Democratic Elections in Lebanon - How to Get There 5. The ultimate role of the whole population in deciding whether the deal sticks can be important in prodding elites, otherwise comfortable and secure in their factional power, to do the harder work of engaging with the bigger political picture. (15 Dec 2016), Examples of 'vote per household' and multi-stage elections at the municipal level 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. (22 Aug 2013), Comparative examples of electoral procedures and legislation considering the customary laws of indigenous communities Seats where one party regularly scores more than 50 per cent of the vote (210 seats . The main policy of the SNP is a call for an independent Scotland. Secondary Legislation Legislation that is delegated to Ministers or another body. Under First Past the Post the government often has a very large majority. One argument for independent schools is that they are like Beacon schools, showcasing the very best of education. European Communities Act (1972) -The Act of Parliament that saw Britain join the EEC in 1973. 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. One advantage of using referendums in the UK is that they allow the general public that are over 18 to approve or disprove essential constitutional changes. 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. It provides a level of political support for difficult decisions. It is entirely at the discretion of the government as to whether or not to hold a referendum. (It should be noted that this fact should be treated some caution, and this is a worthwhile read on the issue PolitiFact | Whats missing from media claims linking Google Trends to Brexit vote). Reduced government power - provides a check on government power, as the government has less control over the outcome of a referendum than it does over Parliament. Brexit would eliminate protections of equal pay, maternity leave, and safe workplaces. 2. 2) What are the main a) advantages and b) disadvantages for the UK of an uncodified constitution? Now is the time for leadership, not followship. This is a disadvantage as this caused upset among many people in Scotland and the decision did not seem fair or an accurate representation of what the people wanted. Whilst this bestows democratic legitimacy, voters are often not well-equipped to make these decisions. 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. Many people felt that their voices were heard where they had not been before. What might be some of the weaknesses of referendums? There are three primary reasons why one might consider referendums a good idea. The Advantages and . However, referendums have become much more commonplace since with both national referendums and a number of very significant regional referendums. 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 Should further powers be given to devolved governments? Brexit is now a moral issue, and the next few weeks will test our moral resolve. This is because although a majority of people voted a certain way, there is usually a very slim margin between this and the other outcome which could be achieved. Conversely, in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum the SNP at least published a White paper to show there were some plans for a potential exit. Because referendums are often held on complex issues, it is easy for populism to take hold. Brexit involves the process of negotiating new trade deals, citizen registration rules, borders, etc. Once the UK landscape had settled, the focus shifted to the risks and opportunities facing the nation. Society is more likely to accept the decision - if the people have demonstrated their expressed consent they are more likely to agree with the resulting policies and allowing stable government of the people. Referendums allow the people to participate in politics. 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 PolitiFact | Whats missing from media claims linking Google Trends to Brexit vote, Prime Ministers Questions Highlights 12.10.2022, Whether Britain should remain or leave the EU, 55.3% of voters chose to remain in the UK, Whether the Alternative Vote should replace First Past the Post for UK General Elections, 67.9% of voters chose to retain First Past the Post, Welsh Assembly Legislative Powers Referendum, Whether the Welsh Assembly should be given more legislative powers, 63.5% of voters chose to increase the legislative powers of the Welsh Assembly, Whether the North-East of England should have its own devolved assembly, 77.9% of voters chose to reject the establishment of a North-East Assembly, Whether the Good Friday agreement should be ratified, 71.1% of voters chose to ratify the Good Friday Agreement, Whether devolution should be granted to Greater London, 72% of of voters chose to establish a devolved system for London, Whether devolution should be introduced to Wales, 50.3% of voters chose to devolve powers to Wales, Whether devolution should be introduced to Scotland, 74.3% of voters chose to devolve players to Scotland, 79.7% of voters chose to reject devolution to Wales, 51.6% of voters chose to devolve powers to Scotland. The relationship between the executive and Parliament, The Powers of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to Dictate Events and Determine Policy, The Influence of the Supreme Court on the Executive, The Comparative Powers of the Commons and Lords. Referendums give an equal say to every voter. Therefore this means that politicians who claim to 'represent' the public are not distorting them as . . They are an example of direct democracy and contrast with the representative democracy that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies. Political education - by widening debate on an issue, referendums create a better educated electorate, who have a stronger incentive to think and act politically. 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. There has been a significant reduction in the cost of fibre optic cable installation in recent years, but it still involves a much higher tariff than copper cable. Detailed lesson on referendums in the UK. This suggests that referendums are not usually a true rendering of the particular public wants an result to be. Unless Nicola Sturgeon has been conducted the poorest bluff in political history, it seems that Scotland is once again set for a referendum on independence. 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. However, although referendums are important for democracy, referendums could be seen to be too complicated for the public to understand. (21 Mar 2011), Ballot paper design for multiple elections View Do the advantages of referendums outweigh the disadvantages from MC 527 at Jackson State University. 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