OUTLINE THE CASE FOR AND AGAINST REFERENDA The concept of referenda has existed for hundreds of years, coming into official use towards the end of the 19th century. There is evidence that the 'poll of the people' was used by William the Conqueror and by the Vatican in medieval times to affirm leaderships. Tacitus in 'Germania' suggests that Principes should decide minor questions, but great matters should be decided by the people. This idea remains …showed first 75 words of 2345 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2345 total…a new age in politics where direct democracy is central to government on a national and/or local basis. BIBLIOGRAPHY David Butler and Uwe Kitzinger, The 1975 Referendum (Macmillan Prees.1976) Jo Grimond and Brian Neve, The Referendum (Rex Collings.London.1975) J. St Loe Strachey, The Referendum (T. Fisher Unwin Ltd. London, Adelphi Terrace.1924) Nicholas Watt, Public service reform, The Guardian 27/12/02 Leader, Digital democracy, The Guardian 22/02/02 Toby Helm, Berlin give power to the people, The Daily Telegraph 19/07/01