direct democracy in the uk

• Direct democracy is a form of government where citizens directly participate in decision-making and policy-making processes, rather than electing representatives to do so on their behalf.
• what is a referendum?

  a direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to vote. Usually a yes or no question
• what referendum happened in 2016?

  brexit
• give an advantage of direct democracy

  • develops a sense of community and open debate
• give a further advantage of direct democracy

  • it's the true form of democracy
• give a further advantage of direct democracy

  • it's the simplest way to make sure that every vote counts
• give a further advantage of direct democracy

  • encourages popular participation by expecting people to take their political duties seriously
• give a further advantage of direct democracy

  • reduces the need for politicians who may be corrupt
• give a further advantage of direct democracy

  • people must take responsibility for their decisions
• give a disadvantage of direct democracy

  • referendums are expensive
• give a further disadvantage of direct democracy

  • many arent educated enough and so are vulnerable to manipulation
• give a further disadvantage of direct democracy

  • impractical in a highly populated state
• give a further disadvantage of direct democracy

  • politicians will call referendums only if they think they'll win
• give a further disadvantage of direct democracy

  • politicians are better informed than most people
• give a further disadvantage of direct democracy

  • majority view not checked by representatives - tyranny of the majority
• give a further disadvantage of direct democracy

  • could lead to citizens becoming fed up with referendums and not taking it seriously
• what does the 2016 Scotland Act forbid?

  the abolition of the scottish parliament by the UK government without a referendum
• what is the electoral commission?

  an independent body that oversees election which makes them free from interference and fair
• give an example of an unsuccessful referendum

  the alternative vote referendum

  scottish independence referendum