Referendums And Representative Democracy

Author : Maija Setälä,Theo Schiller
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 310 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2009-09-10
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781135215057

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Referendums and Representative Democracy by Maija Setälä,Theo Schiller Pdf

This volume analyses how the use of referendums affects the central functions and characteristics of representative democracy. It provides a balanced account of the interaction between referendums and representative institutions and actors, seeking to evaluate whether referendums supplement or undermine representative democracy. Considering both normative and empirical questions, the volume also examines the particular circumstances under which referendums strengthen or weaken representative democracy. Providing a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches used in the study of referendums, this book is divided into three sections: Referendums and the Models of Democracy, The Demand of Referendums: Party Ideologies and Strategies, and Referendum Campaigns and Voter Behaviour. It features case studies on Ireland, Israel, Canada, California, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, the Nordic Countries, the Netherlands, Spain and the EU Constitutional Treaty. In addition to system-level evaluations of referendums, studies on the ideological attitudes of political actors and strategic use of referendums, the volume also provides analyses of referendum campaigns and voters’ choices in referendums. Covering referendums on European integration, the volume also demonstrates how supra-national governance gives rise to the demand of referendums. This volume will be of interest to students and scholars of political science, political theory, comparative politics, and European studies.

Author : Leah Trueblood
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing
Page : 270 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 2024-04-18
Category : Law
ISBN : 9781509940813

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Referendums as Representative Democracy by Leah Trueblood Pdf

In referendums on fundamental constitutional issues, do the people come together to make decisions instead of representatives? This book argues no. It offers an alternative theory of referendums whereby they are one of many ordinary ways that voters give direction to their representatives. In this way, the book argues that referendums are better understood as exercises in representative democracy. The book challenges the current treatment of referendums in processes of constitutional change both in the UK and around the world. It argues that referendums have been used under the banner of popular sovereignty in a way that undermines representative institutions. This book makes the case for the use of referendums stronger by showing how they can support, rather than undermine, institutions of representative democracy. Understanding referendums as exercises in representative democracy has broader implications for constitutional democracy as well. Rather than see the power to constitute constitutions as something that happens occasionally in exceptional moments through referendums, this book argues instead that voters constantly have the power to constitute and reconstitute their constitutions.

Author : Laurence Morel,Matt Qvortrup
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 710 pages
File Size : 42,5 Mb
Release : 2017-12-12
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781351360715

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The Routledge Handbook to Referendums and Direct Democracy by Laurence Morel,Matt Qvortrup Pdf

Over the last 30 years referendums have played an increasingly important role in determining government policy. Recent high profile referendums in Scotland, Catalonia and Ukraine have continued the movement towards independence referendums following decolonization and the end of the Cold War. The Greek bailout referendum and Britain’s vote on membership of the EU reflect a tradition of European states giving their people a direct say in the transfer of sovereign powers to the European Union seen through the ratification of key treaties such as Maastricht, Amsterdam, Nice and Lisbon. This Routledge Handbook covers key aspects and issues of direct democracy and referendums throughout the world including: •their history; •when, why, where, how and on which issues referendums are held; •why some referendums are more democratic than others; •how referendums are won; •whether they produce good policies; •if referendums increase participation and improve the quality of representative democracies; •do referendums increase trust in democracy and the political actors; •the impact of new technology on the possibilities, methods and frequency of direct public political participation; •how they should be regulated. Covering other related areas such as recall, citizen juries and random selection, this compendium is an indispensable guide to referendums and the workings of modern democracy.

Author : M. Mendelsohn,A. Parkin
Publisher : Springer
Page : 277 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2001-09-25
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781403900968

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Referendum Democracy by M. Mendelsohn,A. Parkin Pdf

As the referendum becomes a more regular component of decision making, it leaves few, if any, institutions, processes and values of democracy untouched. Political actors of all kinds - including political parties and interest groups - seek to use the referendum device to further their own objectives. The end result is a different kind of democracy than existed before. This book lays out the comparative research agenda on the impact of referendums on the practice of liberal democracy.

Author : Kris William Kobach
Publisher : Dartmouth Publishing Company
Page : 296 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 1993
Category : Political Science
ISBN : UOM:39015028936469

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The Referendum by Kris William Kobach Pdf

Explores the impact of frequent referendums on the Swiss political system. Various institutions evolved to cope with the repeated challenging of government decisions in the arena of direct democracy. This study identifies phenomena which may occur in politics that use referenda less often.

Author : Pierre Marquis,Canada. Bibliothèque du Parlement. Service de recherche
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 1993
Category : Electronic
ISBN : OCLC:757629062

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Referendums in Canada by Pierre Marquis,Canada. Bibliothèque du Parlement. Service de recherche Pdf

Author : Mads Qvortrup,Matt Qvortrup
Publisher : Manchester University Press
Page : 212 pages
File Size : 46,6 Mb
Release : 2005-10-07
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 071907181X

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A Comparative Study of Referendums by Mads Qvortrup,Matt Qvortrup Pdf

Combining an account of the political history and philosophy of the referendum, with a thorough assessment of the practical experiences with referendums in western democracies, this book has established itself as the unrivalled market-leader in the field. Fully revised and with new chapters on campaign spending and the administration of referendums, the second edition of this book provides a thorough overview of the theory and practice of referendums.

Author : Pierre Marquis,Canada. Library of Parliament. Research Branch
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 26 pages
File Size : 47,7 Mb
Release : 1993
Category : Canada
ISBN : 0660154803

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Referendums in Canada by Pierre Marquis,Canada. Library of Parliament. Research Branch Pdf

Author : Maija Setälä
Publisher : Springer
Page : 200 pages
File Size : 52,9 Mb
Release : 1999-04-29
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780333982822

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Referendums and Democratic Government by Maija Setälä Pdf

Referendums and Democratic Government is the most systematic analysis of the referendum so far. The referendum phenomenon is approached from different perspectives: social choice theory, theories of democracy, a comparative study on 22 democracies, and in-depth case studies of Sweden, Denmark and Switzerland. The referendum is not a unitary phenomenon but it serves various functions and different normative goals in the political systems studied. This variation may largely be explained by the differences in the initiating and agenda-setting procedures.

Author : Saskia Hollander
Publisher : Springer
Page : 345 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2019-04-02
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9783030041977

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The Politics of Referendum Use in European Democracies by Saskia Hollander Pdf

This book demonstrates that the generally assumed dichotomy between referendums and representative democracy does not do justice to the great diversity of referendum types and of how referendums are used in European democracies. Although in all referendums citizens vote directly on issues rather than letting their political representatives do this for them, some referendums are more direct than others. Rather than reflecting the direct power of the People, most referendums in EU countries are held by, and serve the interests of, the political elites, most notably the executive. The book shows that these interests rarely match the justifications given in the public debate. Instead of being driven by the need to compensate for the deficiency of political parties, decision-makers use referendums primarily to protect the position of their party. In unravelling the strategic role played by national referendums in decision-making, this book makes an unconventional contribution to the debate on the impact of referendums on democracy.

Author : David Butler,Austin Ranney
Publisher : American Enterprise Institute
Page : 326 pages
File Size : 44,7 Mb
Release : 1994
Category : Education
ISBN : 0844738530

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Referendums Around the World by David Butler,Austin Ranney Pdf

Updated edition of : Referendums. c1978.

Author : Birte Müller-Heidelberg
Publisher : GRIN Verlag
Page : 19 pages
File Size : 54,6 Mb
Release : 2003-12-03
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9783638237222

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Do referendums enhance or threaten democracy? by Birte Müller-Heidelberg Pdf

Essay from the year 2003 in the subject Politics - Topic: European Union, grade: B, University of Bath (European Studies and Modern Languages), language: English, abstract: In some countries, the Euro has been established without consulting the citizens. Discussions on whether this has been a fair and fully legal step made by elected representatives in a democracy or whether people should have been asked before passing such a major reform are ongoing. The convent has come up with a first proposal for a European Constitution. While several countries are preparing their referendums on it, Germany’s chancellor Gerhard Schröder simply stated, he is against a referendum – no reasons given. Switzerland uses referendums as a regular instrument to let people decide about single political issues. Countries as Sweden and Denmark use them at least once in a while. Others, such as Germany, have never had a referendum in their history. Although these differences between nation states are obvious, there has been a revival of the idea of referendums as an instrument of direct democracy in the last decades. In some states used, in others only discussed, referendums are a topic again. This essay analyses the question whether referendums enhance or threaten democracy by taking a closer look at the pro and contra arguments used in the literature, essays and newspaper articles through which sociologists fight their battle about the subject. After pointing out some of the reasons for the current rise of referendums in general (2), chapter 3 will deal with the chances (3.1) and dangers (3.2) of referendums. This analysis will lead to a conclusion and judgement of referendums (4). In chapter 5, a short outlook will be given on the function of referendums in the ever closer European Union.

Author : J. Patrick Boyer
Publisher : Dundurn
Page : 279 pages
File Size : 51,6 Mb
Release : 1992
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781550021479

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The People's Mandate by J. Patrick Boyer Pdf

A mood of anger with the political system has been stirring across Canada; yet rather than turning away from the system, many Canadians are actually seeking a greater say in matters that affect them. they want to become more effective participants in the political process. In this timely book, Patrick Boyer examines the important role that direct democracy -- through the occasional use of referendums, plebscites, and inniatives -- can play in concert with our existing institutions of representative democracy. This concept is not alien to our country, says Boyer, pointing to the two national plebiscites (on prohibition of alcohol in 1898 and consciption for overseas military service in 1942), some sixty provincial plebscites (on everything from sovereignty-association to abortion, medicare to women's suffrage, prohibition to ownership of power companies), and several thousand at the municipal level. Direct voting is an important instrument in a truly democratic society, Boyer argues, and it has a more important rold in the current reformation of Canada than some in the comfortable growing governing classes want to admit. In addition to clarifying an issue, it is an educational tool, as the plebiscite campaign becomes a national teach-in. Canadians can become participants, rathe rthan mere spectators, in the major changes and transcending isues that affect the future of our country. The People's Mandate is a helpful guide to understanding the distinctions between plebiscites and referendums in a purely Canadian context. It addresses some of the concerns about this unparliamentary practice, and makes a powerful and logical statement about democracy. In sum, Boyer believes it is essential to govern with the trust of the people.

Author : Michael N Mautner, Ph. D.
Publisher : Legacy Books
Page : 217 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2000-01-01
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9780473068554

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A Constitution of Direct Democracy by Michael N Mautner, Ph. D. Pdf

All people share the basic needs of survival and the social drives embedded in human nature. Survival demands sustenance, safety and procreation; and the social drives demand dignity, justice and freedom. These shared values emerge when the common will is distilled from the diverse wills of people. Where this communal wisdom governs, human dignity will be honored and our survival will be secure. This book describes a system of pure democracy where all major decision are done through referendums and statistically meaningful public opinion polls. The policies are then executed by expert agencies with oversight from public policy panels. The book also describes transition to Direct Democracy through Representatives pledged to "I shall vote in Congress or Parliament according to the instructions of my constituents."

Author : Matt Qvortrup
Publisher : Springer
Page : 306 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2014-05-05
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781137314703

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Referendums Around the World by Matt Qvortrup Pdf

Surveying all referendums around the world since 1793, Dr Qvortrup and contributors provide a thorough account of why and when citizens have been asked to vote on policy issues. Referendums Around the World is essential reading for political scientists and others interested in direct democracy as well as representative government.