referendums create more problems than solutions

• Argument 1: Complexity of Issues

  Referendums often involve complex issues that the general public may not fully understand, leading to poorly informed decisions.

  • The 2016 Brexit referendum involved complex economic and constitutional issues, such as trade agreements and the single market, which many voters found difficult to comprehend.
  • After the referendum, many voters expressed regret over their decision, leading to calls for a second referendum.

  Significance:This suggests that referendums can result in decisions that are not in the best interest of the country, as the public may lack the expertise to make informed choices on complex issues.
• Counter-Argument 1: Direct Involvement and Engagement

  Referendums allow citizens to directly participate in decision-making, increasing political engagement and legitimacy.

  • The 2014 Scottish independence referendum had an 85% turnout, significantly higher than the 67% turnout in the 2019 general election.
  • Referendums provide a clear mandate on specific issues, such as Scottish independence, which should be decided by the people directly affected.
  • This shows that referendums can enhance democracy by giving citizens a direct say in important decisions, increasing political participation and legitimacy.
• Argument 2: Tyranny of the Majority

  Point: Referendums can lead to the "tyranny of the majority," where the rights and interests of minority groups are overlooked.

  • In 2021, Swiss voters approved a referendum banning the wearing of face coverings, disproportionately affecting Muslim women.
  • The Brexit referendum highlighted divisions within the UK, with Scotland and Northern Ireland voting to remain in the EU, but being overruled by the majority in England and Wales.

  Significance: This demonstrates that referendums can undermine minority rights and create social divisions, as the majority’s decision may not consider the interests of all groups.
• Counter-Argument 2: Greater Legitimacy and Accountability

  • 2015 The conservative party only won with a 35% turnout, whereas in a referendum there can often be turnouts of over 80% - weak mandate due to FPTP - doubt about legitimacy and on popular mandates that the goverment claims. Referendums are able to receive popular support - referendums are held due to political pressure by the public especially when this support isnt represented by parliament
  • this is clearly seen in the 2016 brexit referendum, which reflected growing support for UKIP and leaving the EU among the population. UKIP won 27% of the vote in EU elections and becoming the biggest party in 2014
  • Significance: This suggests that referendums can enhance democracy by ensuring that decisions are made with the direct consent of the people, increasing the legitimacy of the government.
• Argument 3: Voter Fatigue and Political Apathy

  Frequent use of referendums can lead to voter fatigue, reducing turnout and undermining the legitimacy of the results.

  • In Switzerland, where referendums are frequent, turnout is often below 50%, compared to the UK’s general election turnout of around 67%.
  • In the Brexit referendum, some voters admitted to voting as a protest against the political establishment, rather than based on the issue itself.

  Significance:This suggests that overuse of referendums can lead to political apathy and reduce the credibility of the outcomes, as voters may become disengaged or vote for reasons unrelated to the issue at hand.
• Counter-Argument 3: Checks on Government Power

  Referendums act as a check on government power, preventing an "elective dictatorship" and ensuring that the government is accountable to the people.

  • In 2013, Irish voters rejected the government’s proposal to abolish the Senate, demonstrating that referendums can hold the government accountable.
  • Referendums allow citizens to have a say on specific issues between general elections, preventing the government from becoming unaccountable
  • Significance: This shows that referendums can enhance democracy by ensuring that the government is accountable to the people and cannot make unilateral decisions without public consent.
• Conclusion

  • While they can increase political engagement and provide a clear mandate on specific issues, the complexity of the issues, the risk of the "tyranny of the majority," and the potential for voter fatigue often lead to poorly informed decisions, social divisions, and reduced political participation.
  • Referendums also create the illusion of choice, as they are often held at the discretion of the government to serve their own interests.
  • Therefore, while referendums have some democratic benefits, their drawbacks make them a problematic tool for decision-making in a modern democracy.