BRINGING IN THE PEOPLE: A Comparison of Constitutional Forms and Practices of the Referendum

Markku Suksi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Book/Journal/ReportBookScientificpeer-review

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
PublisherBrill
Number of pages312
ISBN (Electronic)9789004633674
ISBN (Print)0792322088
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024
MoE publication typeC1 Separate scientific books

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