1.3.2 Referendums and how they are used

• What is a referendum primarily used for?

  Major policy decisions
• What is an advisory referendum?

  Non-binding, government decides
• What is a regional referendum?

  Limited to specific regions
• Which referendum type was used in the 2016 Brexit referendum?

  National
• What is one purpose of referendums in UK politics?

  Consulting public opinion
• Match the purpose of referendums with an example:

  Consulting Public Opinion ↔️ 2016 Brexit referendum

  Resolving Constitutional Questions ↔️ Scottish independence referendum

  Enhancing Legitimacy ↔️ 1975 EEC membership referendum
• The 1975 EEC membership referendum enhanced the government's legitimacy for joining the EEC.
• Stages of a referendum in the UK

  1️⃣ Initiation

  2️⃣ Legislation

  3️⃣ Campaigning

  4️⃣ Voting

  5️⃣ Result Announcement

  6️⃣ Implementation
• Match the purpose of a referendum with its example

  Consulting Public Opinion ↔️ The 2016 Brexit referendum

  Resolving Constitutional Questions ↔️ The 2014 Scottish independence referendum
• Match the advantage of referendums with its description

  Direct Expression of Public Opinion ↔️ Allows citizens to express their views

  Increased Legitimacy for Government Decisions ↔️ Broader public support for policies
• Referendums always lead to unanimous public support for government decisions

  False
• The 2016 Brexit referendum was initiated to resolve a constitutional question

  True
• The 2016 Brexit referendum determined whether the UK would leave the European Union.


  True
• The 2016 Brexit referendum was a national referendum.


  True
• Mandatory referendums are required for some constitutional amendments.

  True
• Stages of holding a referendum

  1️⃣ Initiation

  2️⃣ Legislation

  3️⃣ Campaigning

  4️⃣ Voting

  5️⃣ Result Announcement

  6️⃣ Implementation
• Referendums enhance the legitimacy of policy decisions.
• What constitutional change was addressed by the Scottish independence referendum?

  Regional independence
• What two factors differentiate types of referendums?

  Legal effect and scope
• The "Leave" campaign won the 2016 Brexit referendum


  True
• The 2014 Scottish independence referendum resulted in Scotland becoming an independent country

  False
• The concern about the "tyranny of the majority" in referendums highlights the risk of undermining minority rights
• Referendums enhance legitimacy but can also lead to divisive outcomes
• A referendum allows citizens to directly express their opinion
• A mandatory referendum is legally required
• The 2011 Welsh devolution referendum is an example of an advisory referendum.
• The 2014 Scottish independence referendum is an example of a regional referendum.
• Referendums can be used to resolve constitutional questions in the UK.

  True
• Referendums allow citizens to directly express their opinion on major policy decisions.


  True
• The EU Referendum Act 2015 established the rules and timing for the Brexit referendum
• The 2016 Brexit referendum consulted the public on whether the UK should leave the European Union
• Referendums can only be initiated by the government

  False
• Stages in the 2016 Brexit referendum

  1️⃣ Initiation by government

  2️⃣ Campaigning by "Leave" and "Remain" groups

  3️⃣ Citizens cast ballots

  4️⃣ Results announced with "Leave" victorious

  5️⃣ UK government begins Brexit process