Reasons why referendums do not enhance democracy
- Created by: Katie Beaumont
- Created on: 01-06-16 18:14
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- Referendums do not enhance democracy because:
- 1) Referendums are inconsistent to representative democracy.
- They also undermine parliamentary sovereignty.
- 2) They provide only a snapshot of opinion at a particular time.
- 3) Referendums may produce a vote for the wrong reasons.
- e.g. against govt, not the referendum issue.
- e.g. People may have voted against the AV because Clegg was unpopular.
- 4) Referendums can result in tyranny of the majority, or biased influence where turnout is low.
- 5) Referendums could result in voter fatigue.
- This would result in a decline in voter turnout.
- 6) Issues may be too complex for a 'yes' or 'no' response.
- 7) Results can be influenced by different levels of funding in the campaigns.
- Campaigns are expensive.
- 8)The decisions are not final, as they could be revisited.
- 9) Referendums could be scheduled and phrased in such a way that influences results.
- E.g. Referendums could be scheduled during a govt's popularity to be able to get what they want.
- e.g. Tony Blair
- E.g. Referendums could be scheduled during a govt's popularity to be able to get what they want.
- 1) Referendums are inconsistent to representative democracy.
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