* not completed

. What is a referendum?

It is a means of voting that allows the public to vote for a specific party. correct incorrect

It is a means of involving the public through voting for politicians to make decisions on their behalf. correct incorrect

It is a means of involving the public through voting on a specific issue. correct incorrect

It is a means of allowing the public to make political judgments and aid the process of government. correct incorrect

* not completed

. When was a referendum held on the establishment of the Scottish parliament?

In 2011 correct incorrect

In 2014 correct incorrect

In 1979 correct incorrect

In 1997 correct incorrect

* not completed

. How old were participants in the 2014 referendum on Scottish Independence?

21 and above correct incorrect

18 and above correct incorrect

17 and above correct incorrect

16 and above correct incorrect

* not completed

. Which of the following constitutional changes was not subject to a referendum?

The 'Good Friday' Agreement 1998 correct incorrect

The Human Rights Act 1998 correct incorrect

Changing the UK's voting system correct incorrect

Empowering the Greater London Authority (and Assembly) correct incorrect

* not completed

. Which of the following statements is a valid argument against the use of referendums?

They have been held on subjects of public controversy. correct incorrect

They should be used following cross-party agreements on certain issues. correct incorrect

Their use has often related to key constitutional issues. correct incorrect

They have sometimes been used by the government of the day, in an ad hoc manner, and as a tactical device. correct incorrect

* not completed

. When were referendums proposed as a means of solving a dispute between the House of Commons and the House of Lords?

In 1893. correct incorrect

In 1903. correct incorrect

Between 1909 and 1911 correct incorrect

Around 1945 correct incorrect

* not completed

. Which voting system have the Liberal Democrats advocated for?

Single-Transferable-Vote correct incorrect

First-past-the-post correct incorrect

Greater use of referendums correct incorrect

Alternative-Vote correct incorrect

* not completed

. What was the May 2011 referendum about?

It was about changing the way in which the composition of the House of Commons was determined. correct incorrect

It was about changing the composition of the House of Lords. correct incorrect

It was a decision-solving referendum on an international matter. correct incorrect

It was about empowering the Welsh assembly to take up additional legislative power. correct incorrect

* not completed

. Why are binary responses a major drawback for referendums?

Because voters are not provided with enough information about the choices on the ballot paper. correct incorrect

Because the outcome can be determined by a very slim majority. correct incorrect

Because citizens ought to have more options in the selection process. correct incorrect

Because providing two options risks oversimplifying a complex problem. correct incorrect

* not completed

. What was the purpose of the Smith Commission?

It sought to prepare voters for the Scottish referendum in 2014. correct incorrect

It drafted and implemented various proposals intended to boost the 'yes' campaign for Scottish independence. correct incorrect

It drafted and implemented various proposals intended to boost the 'no' campaign for Scottish independence. correct incorrect

It was established to explore the issue of widening the franchise to those who are 16 and above. correct incorrect

* not completed

. Why do referendums prompt governments to act?

Because they are all legally binding. correct incorrect

Because they are politically binding. correct incorrect

Because they are strategic. correct incorrect

Because they are an extraordinary constitutional practice. correct incorrect

* not completed

. Which of the following reasons is not a significant reason behind referendums being a subject of controversy?

Referendums are normally held on subjects that are markedly divisive in nature. correct incorrect

The outcome of a referendum can be ambiguous and require further clarification. correct incorrect

Referendums can be seen as incompatible with the UK's wider framework of representative democracy. correct incorrect

The outcome of referendums creates a political obligation upon the incumbent government. correct incorrect

* not completed

. Which of the following is true of direct democracy?

It entails politicians taking decisions on our behalf. correct incorrect

It entails people as a whole being consulted on the nature of the political system. correct incorrect

It is a form of democracy that is inherently and always incompatible with representative democracy. correct incorrect

It entails politicians being accountable to the public correct incorrect

* not completed

. Why can referendums be seen as a legitimate way of solving problems in a political system?

Because those who lose out must concede that their decisions will not be taken on board. correct incorrect

Because a majority of those eligible to vote is not the same as those voting. correct incorrect

Because they demonstrate a clear political mandate with at least a majority of votes. correct incorrect

Because referendums have no legal force. correct incorrect

* not completed

. Why was there a Supreme Court surrounding the implementation of the outcome of the 2016 Brexit referendum?

To ensure that the outcome was legally binding correct incorrect

To challenge the authority of the European Union Referendum Act 2015 correct incorrect

To clarify an inconsistency in the law between the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and the European Union Referendum Act 2015 correct incorrect

To evaluate the government's statutory authority in beginning the process of leaving the EU correct incorrect