Referendum as a form of activity of civil society

Abstract

Objectives The subject of the study is to present legal frameworks of the institution of the nationwide referendum in Polish law. Material and methods The analysis covered legal regulations of various rank (constitution and laws) referring to the nationwide referendum as well as the practice of this form. Results There are many institutions meant to allow direct participation of the nation in taking decisions. Contemporary the most common form of direct democracy is a referendum which is based on taking decisions regarding important matters of state by voting of those entitled. In literature different types of referendums are distinguished. Referendums are divided into different types depending on the division criteria we have adopted: national and local referendums, obligatory and optional, constitutional, ratification, legislative, constitutive and consultative, prior and subsequent, repealing and approving referendums. Conclusions Authors critically analyzed the legal regulations related to the institution of the nationwide referendum in Poland.

Keywords

• referendum
• direct democracy
• Republic of Poland
• evolution of referendum
• the Act on nationwide referendum
• civil society