Referendums and liberal democracy
DO NOW
What could explain
falling voter turnout at
UK general elections?
List at least three
factors and explain
their potential impact
on voting behaviour.
Three persistent criticisms of UK democracy
Limits to the
representative
nature of the
electoral system
Low levels of
political
education and
participation
The persistence
of undemocratic
institutions
Homework
The Cabinet Manual
(2011) provides a
succinct and precise
overview of the
institutions of
government and their
operations. Download
a copy and read it on
chapter at a time.
Homework – research task
In groups, research a major UK political party.
You will need to produce a summary of the
party’s:
a) Core ideology and flagship policies
b) Traditional sources of support
c) Record in office (1992-present)
d) Party leadership (1992-present)
Homework – research groups
The Conservative Party
Loretta
Ellis
Hanah
Humza
The Labour Party
Abigail
Abdi
Dale
Clinton
The Liberal Democratic Party
Tolu
Tanique
Shaquille
Allan
UKIP and the Green Party
Loshell
Tyreek
Troy
Daniel
DRAFT presentations are due on THURSDAY. I will provide feedback and we
will begin delivering presentations on Friday.
Learning objectives
• To explain what role referendums can play in
liberal democracy
• To evaluate the case for and against the
greater use of referendums in the UK
Referendums vs. elections
Referendum
Election
Why vote?
To decide a specific policy or
constitutional issue, e.g.
Scottish Independence, EU
membership
To elect a representative,
e.g. MP, or public executive,
e.g. Mayor, Police & Crime
Commissioner
Who votes?
Registered voters in the
affected area
Registered voters in a
specific constituency
Occasionally
To a fixed timetable
Voting system
Simple majority
Various – plurality, majority,
proportional, hybrid, etc.
Must politics take note?
Not necessarily,
but usually yes
Yes
When do they vote?
Referendums are common
La Costituzione Italiana si
include tre tipi di
referendum:
− Abrogativo
− Consultivo
− Confermativo
Ci sono stato settante
referendums nel’ultima
cinquant’ anni.
UK referendums, 1972-2015
Arguments in favour
1. They are a very real form of direct democracy
2. They increase political participation
3. They can be a check on "elective dictatorships" during a
government's five year span.
4. They provide a clear answer to a question the government
might be 'asking'.
5. They build public approval and support for a specific policy
6. They can unite a divided party.
7. Referenda can provide a clear mandate for controversial
policies.
8. Referenda legitimise important constitutional issues such as
devolution.
Arguments against
1. Referendums are inconsistent with the belief in parliamentary
sovereignty.
2. Issues might be too complex for a simple ‘yes’/’no’ vote or for the
public to understand.
3. The regular use of referendums could lead to voter apathy.
4. Low turnout can distort results, e.g. Only 34% of those eligible to
vote for the office of London mayor actually did vote. 72% of these
voted 'yes‘ (i.e. 24.5% of the electorate).
5. The results of a referendum might not be decisive. For Welsh
devolution there was a 51/49 split.
6. Funding differences can affect results as government money can
pour into a referendum and the group on the other side may well
be not so well financed.
7. Referendums might result in "the tyranny of the majority". What
about the wishes of the minority ? How are these safeguarded ?
Key questions
‘The UK would benefit greatly from the wider use of
referendums.’ Discuss.
‘The wider use of referendums would pose a threat to the
form of representative democracy traditionally practised
in the UK.’ Discuss.
‘The use of referendums in the UK since 1997 has done
little to strengthen democracy.’ Discuss.
(25 marks)
‘The use of referendums in the UK since 1997 has
done little to strengthen democracy.’ Discuss.
• Scottish Independence referendum (2014)
• Referendum on electoral reform (2011)
• Referendum on London devolution (1997) /
mayors for major cities (2012)
• Scottish and Welsh devolution (1998)
‘The use of referendums in the UK since 1997 has
done little to strengthen democracy.’ Discuss.
The Scottish Independence Referendum (2014) strengthened democracy in
the sense that it gave Scottish electors a direct say in the future of their
country. The fact that turnout was a record for a major UK referendum
(85%) is an indication of high levels of voter engagement. The intensity of
political debate also strengthened the sense of a distinct political culture in
Scotland. It is true that many Scottish voters quickly grew disillusioned
with the outcome of the referendum; however, this was less a failing of the
referendum process or a reflection of the margin by which Scottish
Independence was decided. The sour taste left in Scottish voters’ mouths
was a result of subsequent bad faith at Westminster. Politicians of all three
major parties clearly won over Scottish voters with promises of ‘Devo Max.
But Cameron’s pledge, on the morning of the referendum’s result, to
reform the entire UK voting system, has delayed further devolution.
Therefore the use of the referendum to decide Scotland’s future has
arguably strengthened democracy in the UK, but this gain is at risk so long
as the promise of devolution remains unfulfilled.
‘The use of referendums in the UK since 1997 has
done little to strengthen democracy.’ Discuss.
In conclusion, the use of referendums in the UK since 1997
has strengthened democracy in the UK. Individual
referendums have always beenbeen imperfect, and often
messy and the gains perhaps modest in practice. But they
have been far-reaching. In particular, it now seems a matter
of political consensus that major constitutional questions
can only be settled by a direct appeal to the population.
Key questions
‘While referendums are useful for resolving
constitutional issues, they are an unsatisfactory
means of deciding social issues.’ Discuss.