Origins and processes of referendum institutionalization within democracies, particularly in USA, France, Switzerland and Italy.
A short account of: (a) referendum experiences in European democracies;
(b) referendums on European Union; (c) sovereignty referendums.
1. P.V. Uleri, Referendum e Democrazia. Una prospettiva comparata, il Mulino;
2. Barbera e A. Morrone, La Repubblica dei Referendum, il Mulino;
3. Some articles concerning English s.c. Brexit referendum and Italian referendum on constitutional reform.
Learning Objectives
Comparative study of referendum-type institutions and relevant political
processes within representative democracies.
The analysis of political participation and decision processes
implemented through the main types of referendum institutes.
Critical assessment of the role that different referendum institutes play
within representative democracies.
Prerequisites
none
Teaching Methods
Mainly classroom-taught lessons; in the third module students shall present and discuss articles concerning English-Brexit and Italian-constitutional reform referendums.
Further information
Students are kindly recommended to read a newspaper.
Type of Assessment
Delivering oral presentation and written exam, 3-5 open questions; two hours time (even more ...)
Course program
Representative democracy and referenda. Origins and processes of referendum institutionalization within democracies.
Initiatives and referendums: classifications and typology. Comparing referendum institutions and relevant political processes.
Weak and strong processes of referendum institutionalisation. The French, Swiss and American (Usa) experiences.
European democracies and referendum institutes. Referendum concerning European Union. English s.c. Brexit referendum
Democracy, parties and referendum institutions in the Italian political system. The institutional referendum and the referendum institutes in
the republican Constitution – The law implementing the referendum institutes – The “referendum party” and the referendums of parties.
Crisis and reform of referendum institutes? Etc. etc.