A Comparative Study of Referendums: Government by the People, Second Edition

Front Cover
Manchester University Press, Oct 7, 2005 - Political Science - 198 pages
Should the people be allowed to decide on difficult policy issues? This is the fundamental problem of democratic theory. 'A comparative study of referendums' provides a starting point for anyone interested in referendums and direct democracy.

Combining an account of the political history and philosophy of the referendum, with a thorough assessment of the practical experiences with referendums in western democracies, this book has established itself as the unrivalled market-leader in the field.

Fully revised and with new chapters on campaign spending and the administration of referendums, the second edition of this book provides a thorough overview of the theory and practice of referendums.

At a time when more and more countries are holding referendums, Professor Qvortrup's book is essential reading for political scientists, journalists and everyone interested in the fundamental issues of democracy.

From inside the book

Contents

Bruno and the army
6
the referendum as the peoples veto
44
Do referendums stand in the way of salutary reform?
62
Is the referendum a constitutional safeguard?
90
1
161
6
168
28
193
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About the author (2005)

Professor Matt Qvortrup is Chair of Politics at The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and an adjunct Professor of Political Science at the University of New South Wales, Sydney

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