Referendum

A referendum is a public vote in which voters decide directly on a proposed law, constitutional change, or other political question.

Popular initiative: A procedure allowing citizens to propose legislation or constitutional changes through a petition and, often, a public vote. It lets citizens initiate a referendum rather than merely respond to a question set by officials.
Representative democracy: A system in which people elect representatives to make political decisions on their behalf. Referendums let voters decide an issue directly instead of delegating that decision.
Brexit referendum: The 2016 United Kingdom vote on whether the country should leave or remain in the European Union. It illustrates how a referendum can initiate a major change in a country's international position.
Political legitimacy: The recognized right of a government or political order to exercise authority. Winning a public vote can strengthen a decision's perceived democratic mandate.
Legislative referendum: A referendum initiated by a legislature to seek public approval or guidance on a political question. It shows how elected representatives can put a question directly to voters.
Plebiscite: A direct popular vote, often used to gauge public support for a leader or political question. The terms overlap, but plebiscite often carries different historical and political associations.
Scottish independence referendum: The 2014 vote on whether Scotland should become an independent country. It shows a referendum used to address a question of national sovereignty.
Majoritarianism: The principle or practice of allowing the majority's preference to determine collective decisions. Referendums make majority rule immediate, raising questions about minority protections.
Constitutional referendum: A referendum in which voters decide whether to approve a constitutional change. Constitutional amendments are a common subject of referendum voting.
Recall election: A vote that allows citizens to remove an elected official before the end of the official's term. It is direct democracy aimed at removing an officeholder, not deciding a policy proposal.

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