‘The use of referendums in the UK since 1975 has done little to enhance democracy.’ Discuss. (25 Marks)

Intro - define referendums and democracy. context since 1975, e.g. the increased used of referendums to decide on matters which need the approval of the people (to avoid outrage, or to give govt. actions legitimacy). in theory referendums enhance democracy as they allow the people to excersise their democratic rights to vote in the purest form - direct democracy - vs the contestable FPTP elected democracy we currently have. Current context - in the news of course because of our leave from the EU, whereby the PM withdrew the UK from the EU using Article 50 for the ECA based on the merit of referendum. Note how a lot of political current debate has centred on democracy and the referendum, 'the people have spoken', etc.P1 - Agree: Referendums are often based on misinformation and manipulation by the media and politicians which actually moves away from a 'democracy' whereby transparency and access to information is a defining characteristic. E.g. the NHS bus used in the run up to the EU referendum. If anything this arguably has undermined democracy.P2- Agree: facade? democratic deficit remains. E.g. even referendum decision as important as BREXIT has been delayed for years and is being undermined by the demands of parliament, e.g. for a second referendum. Also Mention current criticism of MPs and Conservatives as 'undemocratic' for ignoring the result (Brexiteer point of veiw)P3: Disagree: they've been used to push through huge constitutional changes, i.e. devolution, BREXIT, etc. and entrench such decisions therefore cementing the will of the people and thus enhancing democracy. Counter - relate to previous point made that whilst this is true, the extent to which such changes have actually happened as a result is contended, e.g. Scotland did not become independent, and BREXIT hasn't even happened yet.P4: Disagree: they have knock on effects; people become more involved with politics, e.g. this can be seen via the huge turnouts for referendums such as BREXIT and the Scottish Independence ref 2014. Increased political participation, and decreased disillusion with politics caused by a general feeling of isolation from the Westminister model. Therefore, they have helped to enhance democracy.Conclusion - The extent to which... However, clearly (don't sit on the fence) e.g. - referendums have not always resulted directly in a large enhancement of democracy in the UK as their results are often undermined in parliament however the knock on effects on democracy are clear, e.g. increased voter turnout, increased political participation, etc. Then offer a solution: for example, to really enhance democracy we may need to also focus on the voting system, etc. as referendums alone cannot have a substantial enough effect to fix the UK's democratic deficit.