Referendums present a more democratic form of participation than the opportunity to vote in elections - discuss

One factor that concludes that referendums present a more democratic form of voting, is that it may increase voting turnout. If the general public have the option of voting on particular issues that they care about, with the choice of only two options, it would increase the legitimacy of any decisions made from a referendum. Members of the public may have a stronger incentive to think and act politically, and alowing debate, it helps to create a more educated and participatory democracy. On the other hand, in certain cases they may lead to low turnout and a lack of interest, for example when referndums are held often or concern highly technical matters. In cases like this, a legitmacy problem rises, as the end result may not be totally representave of what the people want. This was shown in the Greater London Authority referendum in 1998, where the 72% voted for a mayor of London, yet the voting turnout was only 34%. This result clearly favoured the support for a Mayor. In turn, this shows that although a referendum may be a more democratic approach, low voting turnout can mean decisions are made with little legitimacy. 

Finally, they hold they government accountable between elections, and can be a check on 'elective dictatorship' between their 5 year span in government.This means a reduction in government power as the government has less control over the outcome of a referendum, than would over one held in parliament. Referendums can make the government more responsive, as they are forced to listen to public opinion. The flip side to this is that the electorate may make ill-informed decisions, as they lack political experence, unlike the elected politicians. Also, the question can be worded in a manipulating manner, and the government can dominiate the publicity campaigne, as well as the media playing a huge role in infleuncing the public. Referendums can also be an unreliable view, as they only provide a snapshot pf public opinion at the time. This means that the answer may not reflect actual public opinion, but those influenced by others. 

Overall, Referendums are more democratic than voting in elections, as in elections, you are voting for someone else to represent you, whilst in a referendum, the electorate is directly voting for a policy. ​Although this is true, referendums can be seen as flawed as they undermine our current parliamentary system, and our sovereingty. Although there is a chance that referendums may increase voting turnout, it is likely that for each referendum there will be a low turnout, and this will mean that each policy will be a lack of legitimacy. Also, the electorate votes in an election to choose those who will represent the people and who have experience in the field of politics, unlike the general public, who are ill-informed on certain political policies. This in turn means that although referendums present a true form of democracy, they can lead to policies that have little legitimacy, and it may be that politicians present a better understanding of what the country needs.

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