Includes bibliographical references and index.

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

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.

English

Description based on print version record.