Teaching Comparative Government and Politics

Monday, April 25, 2016

Case study

Brexit (Britain's exit from the EU) won't be on the exam. The referendum isn't until late June. But it's a good case study of governance and sovereignty for the UK. The BBC offers details to consider. There's a 2-minute video in the midst of the column.

The UK's EU referendum: All you need to know

What is happening? UK Prime Minister David Cameron has announced a referendum on whether Britain should remain in the European Union to be held on Thursday 23 June. This article is designed to be an easy-to-understand guide - and a chance to ask other questions, a selection of which we'll be answering at the bottom of the page.

What is a referendum?

What is the European Union?

What will the referendum question be?

What does Brexit mean?

Who will be able to vote?

How will you vote?

What are the main changes David Cameron has agreed?

How does that differ from what he wanted?

Why is a referendum being held?

Who wants the UK to leave the EU?

Why do they want the UK to leave?

Who wants the UK to stay in the EU?

Why do they want the UK to stay?

So would Britain be better in or out?

What about businesses?

What are the rules for campaigning?

How much can the parties spend?

So who is going to be leading the rival sides in the campaign?

Which MPs are for staying and which are for leaving?

Will it simply be the case of all votes being counted to give two totals?

I'm away on holiday for the week of 23 June - can I still vote?

When will the campaigns actually begin?

When and how will the results be announced?

If the UK left the EU would UK citizens need special permits to work in the EU?

What about EU nationals who want to work in the UK?

Would leaving the EU mean we wouldn't have to abide by the European Court of Human Rights?

Has any member state ever left the EU, or would the UK be the first?

If we stay in do we keep the pound for ever?

How much does the UK contribute to the EU and how much do we get in return?

If I retire to Spain or another EU country will my healthcare costs still be covered?

Will the opinion polls get it wrong again?

Who counts as a British citizen?

How long will it take for Britain to leave the EU?

Could MPs block an EU exit if Britain votes for it?

What will happen to protected species if Britain leaves the EU?

How much money will the UK save through changes to migrant child benefits and welfare payments?

If we leave the EU does it mean we would be barred from the Eurovision Song Contest?

Do Commonwealth citizens resident in the UK on a limited work visa get to vote?

Can EU citizens living in the UK vote in the referendum?

What impact would leaving the EU have on house prices?

What is the 'red tape' that the opponents of the EU go on about?

Would Britain be party to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership if it left?

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