If the public are able to piock the laws in the country they live in, more likely that
they will choose to abide the laws so perhaps a better relationship between
government and citizens
enables the people to have a say
Disadvantages
referendums undermine parliamentary sovereignty- it is the job og elected MPS to carry out the duties they
have been elected for. Some issues are too complex to be catagorised into yes/no or for the electorate to understand- MPs elected to represent our views
voters show little desire to participate - 41% turnout in May 2011 AV referendum, 35% turnout in wales over
devolution to welsh assembly March 2011, the actual assembly was created due to the 50% turnout in 1997 which
led to its establishment (suffering a lack of democratic mandate).
They create political uncertainty - especially when the results are certain
decisions made now could impact future generations- like Bristol voting yes for a mayor (53% yes), welsh electorate in 1997 passed notion of an assembly with 51% votes in favour.
timing of campaigns could bias results- Scottish referendum 2014 held after
commonwealth games in Glasgow, government want people to vote when their is a
nationalistic atmosphere? Could be argued that goverements only hold referendums
when they have predictictions which will benefiet them
wording of questions may also be biased because they make voters feel like they have
to choose one side- Manchesrer cingestion charges " do you agree with the Transport
innovation fund proposals", no mention of congestion charges so was a misleading
question- phrased to encourage positive response
tyranny of the manority - should the government listen to the majority ang ignore minority? How will
democracy be ensured for the minoritry