Example Question: Explain and analyse three reasons for referendums to be called in the UK.

• Settle debates within a party
  • 1975 Continued membership of the EEC
    • Governing party was split
• Manifesto policy/commitment
  • Scottish and Welsh devolution, 1997
• Direct democracy over large decisions
  • Remain/leave the EU 2016
  • AV System 2011
• Legitimacy
  • Good Friday Agreement 1998
    • Both parties agreed on the agreement

Point, explain Example, accurate and detailed high quality Analyse, significance, causes, effects

One reason for holding referendums is that the government has a manifesto commitment to do so. For example, in 1997 Labour had promised devolutions referendums for Scotland and Wales and in 2015, the Conservative government promised a referendum on membership of the EU. Governments therefore had the legitimacy and authority to hold these referendums, although the manifesto commitment may have come from other considerations such as the Conservative party’s concern over the rise of UKIP prior to 2015.

Another reason for calling referendums is to resolve a major question society as a whole. Good examples of this are the 1998 Good Friday agreement which was designed to end the violence and troubles in northern Ireland and also the Scottish independence referendum.

Significance Example: This is significant as it is important to legitimate major decisions that will change the way in which people are governed, in 1998 the strong yes vote means the northern Ireland assembly remains in place today.

You can achieve a higher quality answer by adding either depth or breadth to your example/analysis.

Level 3 Example: For example, between 1974 - 2010, the Conservative party won the ABC1 voters, going as high as 59% in 1979, and Labour DE voters, going as high as 50% in 1997… (analysis) This has traditionally been caused by the policies of the majority as the conservatives taxed less whereas Labour spent more on public services, therefore making it logical and self-interested for wealthy people to vote for Conservative, and lesser-wealthy to vote Labour.

Personal Try

Another reason for holding referendums is when the party is split. For example, in 1975, the governing Labour party was split over continued membership of the ECC, therefore the government held a referendum to settle the debate, also giving legitimacy to any actions taken. The referendum to remain/leave the EU was also held for the same reason.

This is significant as it is important to give people a say via. direct democracy especially when settling something that people selected to represent you have been elected on. An example of this was seen in the 1975 ECC referendum.