# The Referendum: Direct democracy and the Constitution

- Institution: Gresham College
- Speaker: Professor Sir Vernon Bogdanor FBA CBE
- Year: 2006
- Level: For everyone
- Language: English
- Subjects: Society and politics, Law
- Source: [Gresham College](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/referendum-direct-democracy-and-constitution)
- Licence: [Educational use (Gresham College's terms)](https://www.gresham.ac.uk/terms-and-conditions)
- Who can watch: Teens profiles and older (sources give no ratings; placed by Invisible Network from the source's own words)

In 1975, we held our first, and - so far - our only nationwide referendum. It was on whether we should remain in the European Community, as it then was. Until then, the referendum was widely regarded as unconstitutional. Yet, a number of sub-national referendums have been held since 1997 - mainly on devolution - and more are promised - on such issues as entry into the euro. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the referendum? Does it have any role at all in a parliamentary system of government?

## Lectures

1. [The Referendum: Direct democracy and the Constitution](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/learn/gresham/referendum-direct-democracy-and-constitution/99c28a9ea710) (YouTube)