Referendums and liberal democracy

DO NOWWhat 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

The persistence of undemocratic

institutions

Low levels of political

education and participation

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 policiesb) Traditional sources of supportc) Record in office (1992-present) d) Party leadership (1992-present)

Homework – research groupsThe Conservative Party Loretta Hanah

Ellis Humza

The Labour Party Abigail DaleAbdi Clinton

The Liberal Democratic Party Tolu ShaquilleTanique Allan

UKIP and the Green Party Loshell TroyTyreek 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

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

When do they vote? 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

Referendums vs. elections

La Costituzione Italiana si include tre tipi di referendum:− Abrogativo− Consultivo− Confermativo

Ci sono stato settante referendums nel’ultima cinquant’ anni.

Referendums are common

UK referendums, 1972-2015

2014 – Scottish

Independence

1. They are a very real form of direct democracy2. They increase political participation3. 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 policy6. 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 in favour

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 ?

Arguments against

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.