referendums

A referendum is a vote in which the electorate can express a view on a particular issue of public policy.

It is an instrument of direct democracy rather than a indirect democracy where elections are held to elect representatives to a legislative body. They are often used to supplement rather than replace the work of representative institutions - and they are fundamentally different from an election because the vote does not lead to representation.

Referendums can come in weak or strong forms.

The weakest form is an advisory referendum - or a plebescite - where a governing body is merely looking for an expression of opinion on a particular issue. The elected representatives may not regard the result as binding on them.

A binding referendum is one where the result is accepted as binding on the government or other body affected. So, for example, the result of future referendum on the UK's participation in the European Single Currency would have to be accepted by the government of the day -whatever the result.

A referendum can be called by the government or called through public (popular) petition as happens in Switzerland and in many States in the USA. Only six democracies in the world have never held a national referendum

Usually a set percentage of the electorate are required to sign a petition to compel a referendum. The "optional referendum" originates with a legislative body wishing to require that a specific majority of the voters accept a measure before it can become official.

Thus far, referendums in the UK have been used only on constitutional issues

1975: European Community membership
1979: Devolution for Scotland and Wales
1997: Devolution (II)
1998: Proposals for a London Mayor and a new London Assembly
1998: Northern Ireland: Good Friday Agreement

1975 European Community Referendum

“Do you think that the United Kingdom should stay in the European Community?”
Yes: 64.5%
No: 35.5%
Turnout: 64.5%

1997 Scottish Devolution 11 September 1997
Establishment of Scottish Parliament
Yes: 74.3%
Tax raising powers for the Parliament
Yes: 63.5%
Turnout: 60.2%

1997 Welsh Devolution 18 September 1997
Are you in favour of a Welsh Assembly?
Yes: 50.3%
No 49.7%
Turnout: 50.1%

1998 Northern Ireland 22 May 1998
Voting in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic
Are you in favour of the Good Friday Agreement?
Yes: 71% of which
Catholics: 96%
Protestants: 55% (Exit Poll Data)
Turnout: 80%

Recent Overseas Referendums
South Africa (1992) Reform of constitution bringing end to White majority rule
Ireland (1995): Lifted ban on divorce
Denmark (2000): Voted against Euro
Zimbabwe (2000: Constitutional reforms
Australia (1977): National Song
Australia (1999): Referendum to establish a Republic

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referendums

key terms