referendums

• What is a referendum?

  A vote on a specific issue
• Why are referendums often called?

  To gain public support for important decisions
• What was promised by David Cameron in 2015?

  EU referendum if re-elected
• What was the political pressure behind the 2016 EU referendum?

  Fear of losing votes to UKIP
• What was the purpose of the 1997 devolution referendums?

  To legitimize devolving powers to Scotland and Wales
• What was agreed in the 2011 AV referendum?

  Part of the coalition government agreement
• What political issues have UK referendums addressed?

  Devolution, electoral systems, independence
• What was the outcome of the 2011 referendum on the electoral system?

  67.9% voted against changing to AV
• What was the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

  Scotland voted against independence
• What was the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum?

  51.9% voted to leave the EU
• What happened in the 1997 referendum regarding Scotland and Wales?

  Votes supported devolving power to both
• What was the outcome of the 1998 referendums in Northern Ireland?

  Votes favored devolving power and establishing a Mayor
• What was the result of the 2004 regional assemblies referendum in the North East of England?

  78% voted against the assembly proposal
• What are the pros and cons of referendums?

  Pros:

  • Increase political engagement
  • Hold government accountable
  • Resolve political issues

  
  

  Cons:

  • Low participation rates
  • Challenge parliamentary sovereignty
• How do referendums increase political awareness?

  By debating a wide range of issues
• What was the turnout in the 1998 Northern Ireland referendum?

  81%
• What was the turnout in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

  84.6%
• How do referendums resolve political arguments?

  By providing a clear outcome
• Why are referendums seen as important in a democracy?

  They allow direct citizen decision-making
• How do referendums challenge parliamentary sovereignty?

  Decisions are made directly by the public
• What is a potential issue with public knowledge in referendums?

  Public may lack knowledge on complex issues
• How can referendum questions be manipulated?

  By changing the wording and timing
• What was the turnout in the 2016 Brexit referendum?

  72%
• What was the result of the 1975 referendum on the UK staying in the EU?

  67% voted to remain
• What was the outcome of the 1997 Welsh Assembly referendum?

  50.3% voted yes with 50.1% turnout
• What is the role of the Electoral Commission in referendums?

  To check question wording and monitor campaigns
• What was the impact of the Brexit referendum on David Cameron?

  It led to his resignation
• What was the claim made by Brexit campaigners regarding EU funding?

  £350M per week to the EU
• What was the voter distribution in the Brexit referendum across the UK?

  England 53% Leave, Scotland 62% Remain
• What was the voter turnout in the 2011 AV referendum?

  42%
• What was the outcome of the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum?

  55% voted no, 45% voted yes
• What was the turnout in the 1997 establishment of the Scottish Parliament referendum?

  60%
• What was the turnout in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement referendum?

  81%
• What was the outcome of the 1997 Welsh Assembly referendum?

  50.3% voted yes
• What was the turnout in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum?

  84.6%
• What was the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum?

  52% voted Leave
• What was the turnout in the 2016 Brexit referendum?

  72%
• What was the voter turnout in the Greater Manchester Congestion Charge referendum?

  46%
• What is a weakness of the Electoral Commission?

  It is a reactive body investigating violations
• What was the impact of the Brexit referendum on Scotland?

  Led to SNP wanting Scottish Independence