Referendum Design: An Exercise in Applied Social Choice Theory

摘要: The formal status of the referendum institution in democratic system varies from consultative and optional to mandatory binding. Despit status, it can be argued that all systems legislators hardly ignore results. article presents two arguments: (1) results social choice theory suggest number alternatives referenda should restricted order a void severe problems interpretation agenda manipulation. (2) may lead quite dramatic norm conflicts for both voters. Taken together, these arguments imply are appropriate only cases where there is natural way dichotomize issue at hand. Moreover, whenever called, its result