Referendum

Definition

A referendum is a direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular issue or policy. It allows citizens to directly participate in decision-making by expressing their opinion on a specific question.

Related terms

Initiative: An initiative is when citizens propose new laws or changes to existing laws through a petition process. It gives people the power to shape legislation directly.

Plebiscite: A plebiscite is similar to a referendum but usually refers to decisions made by an authoritarian government rather than by democratic means.

Direct Democracy: Direct democracy is a system of government where citizens have the power to make decisions directly, without representatives. Referendums are often used as part of direct democracy.