in favour of referendums

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Arguments in favour - Tutor to you

Arguments in favour

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Main topic

how democratic referendums are as In the 2011 alternative vote referendum, a significant amount of the population voted in each constituency:

They can help to encourage greater participation in politics

Referendums can be a check on "elective dictatorships" during a government's 5 years span.

Tony Benn- 'I read the message loud and clear. When the people speak, everyone- including ourselves-should tremble before their decision'

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/we-must-be-freed-from-this-elective-dictatorship-1179395.html

Resolve issues in such a way that there is a final or at least long-term solution

Examples In 1979 referendums resolved the devolution issue for 20 years. On the 5th June 1975 a referendum resolved the European issue with a yes vote

Encourages political participation and enhances legitimacy

House of Lords Constitution Committee wrote 'If referendums are to be used, they are most appropriately used in relation to fundamental constitutional issues'

The aim of securing more than 50% of the local vote would ensure MPs work harder to earn votes.Help encourage more people to vote, so voters feel their vote counts, as the reason most people dont vote is because they feel thier vote wont change anything.Enhances legitmacy to political decisions made based on the results of the referendum.

Strengthen the hand of the government

in making difficult decisions. For example Harold Wilson in 1975 used a referendum to decide 'Britain in or out of Europe' as the issue was causing disagreements within his party

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They normally provide clear decisive answers to specific issues or questions which may be best settled outside of the Parliamentary arena

Are good for tackling issues across party lines

devolution in the 1970's we're not issues that was labour vs conservative.

Get the public veiw on hard decisions the government have to make

e.g. scotish devolution

The government in the UK mainly use referendums for contitutional issues. this is because it would mor edemocratic for the people to decide how parliament is organised rather thatn the government as there can be conflicts.

They are better than general elections because people are voting on a specific issue rather then the range of issues that are included in a mandate.

When voting in an election it is not clear in the manifesto which points are favoured.

e.g. membership to the EU

Encourage participation in the political process

Studies show that referendums gives the voters a better understanding of the topic as they generally research the topic before they vote.

Subtopic

Allows voters to voice an opinion on a major issue

Referendums can improve the reletionship between the government and the people.

Make the electorate better informed on individual issues.

There is a thorough airing of the topics involved and literature is produced for both for and against the issue

Past experience in Britain and elsewhere is that referendum increase peoples understanding of the issues and provide and education for those who participate in them.