On 3/12/18, Prime Minister Theresa May described the 2016 EU Referendum as "(T)he biggest democratic exercise in our history.” Use your own knowledge to evaluate this comment, and to consider the relationship btwn democracy and referenda in the UK.

-         First need to consider conceptual factors – does a referendum weaken aspects of representative democracy by increasing the risk of what de Tocqueville described as a ‘tyranny of the majority’. Does it increase risks of entrenching what Michels called ‘the iron law of oligarchy’, since the issues and questions are chosen only by Parliament? Or does it help bring the benefits of participatory democracy, and in so doing, help improve the efficiency of equilibrium policy choice, and the quality of public policy?-         In considering this, comparison needs to be drawn with examples in the UK, and abroad, where referenda have either been seemingly successful or unsuccessful in achieving the latter – e.g. Good Friday agreement ratification in Northern Ireland, EEC membership. But also the challenge of how we measure whether a referendum has been ‘successful’ in achieving its aim? E.g. Scottish independence, ATV referendum from 2011 – does a vote against change suggest the referendum has been successful, or not? Consideration of examples of where not holding a referendum can generate debate and progress, but also be used as justification for not reforming policy e.g. abortion in Northern Ireland. Compare with Switzerland, where regular referenda increase participation, but can also lead to problematic outcomes. -         Then:-         Context of Theresa May’s claim: Rarity of the use of referenda; public engagement with elections, referenda, and EU politics. Comparable ‘exercises’. Constitutional questions related to the EU. Advisory and binding referenda.-         Consideration of what Theresa May was attempting to achieve with the comment – move forward government’s agenda, gain popular support-         Consideration of the Data – turnout, differences between regions and impact for democracy. -         Analysis of the referendum and how it may or may not have advanced democracy:Relevance of resoundingly different outcomes for Scotland and Northern Ireland.Impact of party-political allegiances.Use and misuse of Parliamentary procedures by governmentQuality of campaign, including news sources, e.g. social media, and access to reliable information, supposed Russian influences, election law breachesSimplicity of question – ways this is a strength and weakness. Impact of this on subsequent debateConsideration of Burke’s suggestion that an MP’s role is to decide on public interest, not act as a delegate – consideration of arguments on impact of leaving EU in range of ways this might happen – does this suggest a strengthening or weakening of democracy? Paradox of comments about second referendum as an affront to democracy.