Direct democracy and referendum – fundamentals of representative democracy. Part ii: referendums as a phenomenon it the global political practice

Abstract

In the last three decades, referendums have become an essential element of contemporary constitutionalism in Eastern Europe. Conducting referendums in increasingly seen as an indication of the changed attitudes and expectations of citizens in liberal (constitutional-pluralist, R. Aron) democracies. Increasingly, the electorate’s civic education and easier access to information are gradually being built in transition countries. The widespread use of referendums to tackle important issues on the political agenda is at the heart of the process of involving citizens in public policy dynamics. This is a form of civic participation that should not be dismissed in a hurry because it implies the artificial devaluation of its current role within representative democracy. And it is still going to function more and more difficult without the forms of direct democracy.