Bringing in the People: A Comparison of Constitutional Forms and Practices of the Referendum

ISBN-13: 9780792322085 / Angielski / Twarda / 1993 / 324 str.

Markku Suksi;Suksi

Opis

The referendum is not a monolithic method of national decision making. There are a multitude of referendum forms which exist under varying constitutional conditions and operate in different ways. A global comparison shows that more than half the constitutions of the world provide for the referendum at a national level, but referendums are also carried out without explicit constitutional support. Two main forms of referendum can be observed, the mandatory constitutional referendum and the policy vote. This book argues that the referendum does not undermine representative decision making, but supplements it in various ways: the referendum is not diametrically opposed to representative government, and when properly designed and used, the institution of the referendum can enhance the legitimacy of a constitutional and political system. This book is the first comprehensive constitutional and comparative analysis of the referendum. It offers illuminating and intriguing reading for all those interested in national decision making.

Spis treści

I. Introduction.
II. The Referendum in the Context of National Decision Making - A Theoretical Exploration.
III. Historical Developments.
IV. The Referendum as a Global Phenomenon.
V. The Referendum in Four Countries.
VI. The Referendum in the Context of International Law.
VII. Reflections on the Theme. Bibliography.
Appendix I: Danish and Irish Referendums.
Table of Cases.
Figures and Tables.
Subject Index.