Witnesses referred to arguments that referendums enhanced democracy by giving voters greater opportunities for involvement. Referendums could be seen as "pure democracy" a symbolic reminder that democratic finds its legitimacy in the consent of the people. Referendums offer the potential to reshape the political division between citizens and legislators. The government acknowledge the arguments that referendums could ensure that the public are consulted on significant issues.
Peter Browning argued that, "at a time when public trust in this system is probably lower than ever, referendums could help restore faith in British democracy." The government stated that it could be argued that referendums could provide the government of the day with a mandate to undertake change, or it could legitimate a significant change. Witnesses saw the value of referendums as a safeguard against controversial decisions being taken, other opined that referendums enhanced public engagement with the political process, as they understand that their participation has real policy implications. Other recommend referendums for the debate that they could engender to promote political knowledge. It allow the people and political class to focus on an issue thus enabling citizens to learn deeply about the topic. A number of witnesses states that referendums could complement representative democracy. In Switzerland, it is used not to replace but to supplement representative democracy. In Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, referendums and representative democracy successfully coexist.
A principal objection to referendums was that they may be used as a tatical device by the government. Steve Richards political commentator of "The independent", said that "a leader does not dare hold a referendum unless they are convinced that they are going to win it". Some argue that referendums tend to be dominated by media, political parties, employer and employee associations, rather than ordinary citizens. Others negative feature are that referendums fail to deal with complex issue and that they are costly.
Led by former U.S. senator Mike Gravel, national initiatives ( referendums ) empower us, similar to ballot initiatives in 24 states. It gives us a "plan B" whenever representatives do not represent us (or debt, domestic spying, and bailouts for criminals represent you?). Direct democracy like this is both, a strategy and a goal of the movements everywhere, like Occupy Wall Street and others. This vote is not poll. It is legal.
Why ballot initiatives ( referendums )?
Put the people in the drivers seat. Responsibility brings more responsible people: more people vote in states with referendums. In Switzerland, often national referendums since 1891 result in the highest newspaper readership in the world.
National referendum break the monopoly congress has on national legislative power.
One of the U.S. founders, James Madison said, " the people is in fact, the fountain of all power, and by resorting to them, all dificulties got over."
One of the U.S. founders, James Madison said, " the people is in fact, the fountain of all power, and by resorting to them, all dificulties got over."
