How Referendums Differ from Each Other

Abstract

The frequency with which countries hold referendums differs greatly. Within Europe, Switzerland holds hundreds of referendums at the federal, cantonal and local levels. Even though a referendum has never been held at the national level in the United States, such ballots are very frequently held at the state and local government level. Since 1990 Italy has held 56 votes; Ireland, 27; and Slovenia, 25. While three-fifths of European countries only make infrequent use of their power to call referendums, when they do so it is usually a major national or even European event.