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How do we use direct democracy in the UK? - Coggle Diagram
How do we use direct democracy in the UK?
UK
UK Referendums
Parliament has sovereignty and can do what it wants
Politically this can cause problems if MP's want to remain in parliament (electorate will not vote them in again)
Parliament decides the threshold for success
1979 Scottish Parliament Referendum
51.6% Y, parliament had made the threshold 40% of electorate, but there was only a 63.8% turnout (lost the referendum
Parliament can decide on the wording in referendums
"Should there be a Scottish Parliament?" - 74% Y, "Should the Scottish Parliament have tax-varying powers?" - 63% Y
Parliament decides when referendums are held
Can lead to broken promises : e.g. Lisbon Treaty
2011 Alternative Vote System | 32% Y, 67% N
Significant constitutional reforms
Local referendums can be held for local reforms
2002-2014: 47 communities voted on whether to introduce an elected mayor, 13 Y
US
Holds Initiatives/Prepositions in 24 states (votes to get a referendum)
Need to collect a certain number of signatures in order to trigger votes on new bills/amendments
Referendums
Legislative Referendums: Put bills up for vote
Popular/Veto Referendums: Votes collect signatures in order to vote on passed bills
Votes to minimize minimum wages in California
Maine 2002 - legislated same-sex marriage
Referendums are a form of direct democracy
Constitution: A set of rules on how a parliament should be governed