A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal or constitutional amendment. Referendums are often used to determine the will of the people on a particular issue, and are often seen as a way to give citizens a direct say in the decision-making process. However, there are both arguments for and against the use of referendums.
One argument in favor of referendums is that they allow for direct democracy. In a representative democracy, elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people. While this system has its benefits, it can also be seen as being somewhat removed from the will of the people. Referendums allow citizens to have a direct say in the decision-making process, rather than simply trusting that their elected representatives are making the right choices. This can lead to a greater sense of ownership and engagement among citizens, as they feel like they have a direct stake in the decisions being made.
Another argument in favor of referendums is that they can help to break deadlocks within government. In a representative democracy, it is not uncommon for there to be disagreement among elected officials on certain issues. This can lead to gridlock and inaction, as no one is able to come to a consensus. A referendum allows the people to break this deadlock by directly deciding on the issue at hand. This can help to move things forward and avoid stalemates.
However, there are also arguments against the use of referendums. One argument is that they can be used as a tool for populist politicians to manipulate the will of the people. If a politician is able to craft the language of a referendum in such a way as to appeal to the emotions of the electorate, it can be very effective at swaying the vote in their favor. This can lead to decisions being made that are not in the best interests of the people, but rather in the interests of a particular politician or political party.
Another argument against referendums is that they can lead to a lack of expertise in the decision-making process. Elected officials are often experts in their fields and are able to bring a level of expertise to the decision-making process that the average citizen does not possess. Referendums can remove this expertise from the process, leading to decisions being made that may not be fully informed.
In conclusion, there are arguments for and against the use of referendums. While they allow for direct democracy and can help to break deadlocks within government, they can also be used as a tool for manipulation and can lead to a lack of expertise in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the decision to use a referendum should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances and the potential consequences of the vote.
Arguments for and against referendums Flashcards
Opponents to referendums argue that instead of strengthening democracy and legitimising government they in fact weaken the political system by removing power from elected bodies. Governments can decide whether to call a referendum therefore they can be used for politicians own political purposes, for example to diffuse opposition and overcome their own differences. This is not entirely clear though as the uncertainty about the proposals for further devolution in Scotland have revived arguments about independence and the left in the Labour Party revived opposition to the EU when they controlled the party during the 1983 general election. A common man is not fully conversed with the complexities of the laws. This, along with the fact that people vote for parties for such a wide range of reasons, mean that it is not possible to conclude that peoples policy preferences are the same as the party they vote for Setala 1999: 14-16. In some countries, though, different alternatives have been on the ballot paper so it is possible to broaden the question. Does the Electoral Management Body have a role in providing information to voters? Combination of polls When a referendum is held, it must be decided whether or not it is to be combined with another poll e.
What are the arguments for and against referendums?
A large proportion of referendums held in Europe, for example, have been connected to the issue of European integration. So why ask mechanics, hairstylists, or dentists to do the highly complex work of running the EU? This can be attributed to a number of causes including; partisan dealignment, disenchantment with the political system and indifference to politics. . And maybe another one-off binary question is not enough. Bryce, while explaining the influence of Direct Legislation on the legislature has said that it reduced the responsibility of the legislature and sometimes it passes laws which are not liked by it. .
For and against referendums
If referendums are extended to other areas than constitutional issues and become more frequent then less people may not vote, as has happened in Switzerland where turnout has been falling. Unequal resources There may be unequal resources between the opposing campaigns in a referendum so that the arguments of one side become submerged. Those in favour of referendums generally tend to point out that they; promote political participation and increase voter knowledge on issues as well as helping to strengthen democracy and further legitimate the government. In California so many financial provisions have been vetoed in referenda that the state has a constant budget crisis because it cannot raise enough in taxes. A variety of these have been introduced, including asking people in large cities whether they want an elected mayor, whether the council tax should increase by more than the Government permits and to approve a neighbourhood plan. Andy Price and Philip Cunliffe do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. In a democracy the electorate have the right to be consulted.
Referendums: arguments for and against
These are often easier to organise and debate than at the national level. It provides a direct way in which people can participate in decisions. Clearly, the requirements for a successful referendum have an impact on the likelihood of whether a referendum passes or not. However, as has been argued none of these arguments hold much weight, especially in the face of a system where the use of referendums have clear guidelines, as in Australia, to be used for constitutional amendments and wherever else is seen as fit by the elected bodies in power. The members of the legislature do not take any interest in legislation because they know that their decisions can be altered by the people. This electoral mandate has been called into question on a number of occasions in modern political history, most notably in the US presidential election of 2005 between George W Bush and Al Gore, and again in the UK General Election of 2005. For example, low turnout in 2011 electoral reform referendum.
