What are the arguments for and against the use of referenda?
A referendum (plural: referendums or referenda) or plebiscite is a direct in which an entire is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may be the adoption of a new , a , a , the of an elected official or simply a specific government policy.
There are many arguments for and against a referendum. Starting with the positive aspects of a referendum, first of all, referendums are the most legitimate form of political decision-making since it's the vote of the people, which dictates the policy of their government in relation to the issue in question. Basically, referendums are seen as the fairest means by which a nations' government should come to a decision on a matter of national importance. A second advantage of conducting referendums is the presence of direct democracy, which results from it. This allows citizens to vote directly on public policy issues. Referendums create in contemporary societies, the fundamentals of the most self-governing of all forms of administration. That being direct rule, based on the input of all the people via voting. Thirdly, the use of a referendum can serve to constrain the behaviour of elected officials by curbing their dictatorial tendencies since they know that the voters have the power to review and overturn their decisions. This awareness may also encourage them to avoid opportunistic behaviour as well as forcing lobbyists' to attempt to influence all the people, and not just the elite who hold power. A fourth plus of referendums is the educative effect which they on the population, who unavoidably, become better informed on the issues in question. Such opportunities for public education on important issues should be taken. Referendums not only stimulate the voters minds, but also make them more aware about politics and the views and pledges of the government itself. National pride is another advantage of referendums. Since the general public are being given a more direct role to give their opinion I the decisions to run the country.
