Referendums: Use and Significance

This lesson examines the use of referendums in UK politics — their history, significance, advantages, disadvantages, and the ongoing debate about their place in a representative democracy.

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What is a Referendum?

A referendum is a vote in which the electorate is asked to approve or reject a specific proposal, typically on a constitutional or major policy issue. Referendums are a form of direct democracy, allowing citizens to make a decision directly rather than through their elected representatives.

In the UK, referendums are advisory rather than legally binding (Parliament remains sovereign), although in practice governments have always treated the result as binding.

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Key UK Referendums