Referenda

• What is a referendum?

  A vote on one particular issue
• How do referendums function within a representative democracy?

  They give voters a say on big issues instead of representatives voting
• How many UK-wide referendums have been held since 1975?

  Three
• Are referendums legally binding in the UK?

  No, they are not legally binding
• What might happen if a government fails to follow the results of a referendum?

  It would look very undemocratic
• What was the issue voted on in the 2008 Manchester referendum?

  Whether there should be a congestion charge in the city
• What percentage of Manchester residents voted against the congestion charge in 2008?

  79%
• What are the key characteristics of referendums in the UK?

  • A vote on a specific issue
  • Seen as direct democracy within representative democracy
  • Not legally binding
  • Recent examples include national and local referendums