Referendums are designed to get round parliamentary…
“Referendums are designed to get round parliamentary government, and people only demand referendums when they think they can't get a majority in parliament. Mussolini was the most brilliant practitioner of referendums.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Referendums are used to bypass parliamentary gridlock when a majority seems unattainable, and Mussolini exploited them skillfully.
In simple terms: Referendums bypass parliaments when majorities fail; Mussolini used them well.
Key Takeaway
Use referendums sparingly and guard against manipulation.
Themes
politics
democracy
power
strategic tactics
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- election cycles
- policy deadlock
- public referendums
- authoritarian regimes
Key Concepts
majority rule
direct democracy
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a referendum justified?
- How can safeguards prevent abuse?
A Different Perspective
Referendums can legitimize undemocratic outcomes if misused.