What are referendums and why are they used?
I can explain what a referendum is and how they can be used in a democracy.
- Year 11
What are referendums and why are they used?
I can explain what a referendum is and how they can be used in a democracy.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Democracy is a system of government where power is rooted in the people. There are two types: direct and representative.
- Representative democracy is the most common, where people elect representatives to vote and make laws on their behalf.
- A referendum is an example of direct democracy; they are held on issues of national, regional and local importance.
Keywords
Referendum - a general vote by the electorate on a single political issue which has been referred to them for a direct decision; it is a form of direct democracy
Representative democracy - type of democracy where citizens choose others to represent them, making important decisions on their behalf
Direct democracy - where the people decide on the policy directly, for example, through a vote or referendum on each issue
Common misconception
Referendums are only about national issues.
Referendums are held for a wide range of reasons. They might be national, (like the UK's relationship with Europe), or they might be regional, (like Scottish independence). Sometimes, a referendum can be local too.
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the primary focus of the European Economic Community (EEC)?
Q2.Who are the representatives in the European Council?
Q3.A is the act of being joined together for political purposes.
Q4.Match the word to the correct definition.
Q5.Post-WWII, a number of key led to the formation of different unions in Europe.
Q6.Which is not a role of the European Council?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Democracy is a system of government where power is rooted in the .
Q2.What is the most common type of democracy?
Q3.Match the word to the correct definition.
