referendum
ref-uh-REN-dum
/ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/
A general vote by the electorate on a single political question referred to them for a direct decision.
Represents direct democracy rather than representative democracy, asking citizens to vote directly 'yes' or 'no' on a policy.
The story behind the word. From Latin 're-' (back) + 'ferre' (to carry). In 16th-century Switzerland, delegates to the federal diet were bound by instructions from their home cantons; matters outside their instructions had to be 'referred back' (ad referendum) to local magistrates before a decision could be finalized.
Word relationships
- plebiscite: 'Plebiscite' is often used for votes on national sovereignty or major territorial issues, while 'referendum' covers routine legislative or constitutional questions.
- ballot initiative: An initiative originates from citizens gathering signatures, whereas a referendum is typically referred to the people by a legislature.
Commonly confused with
- plebiscite: While often used interchangeably, plebiscites historically involve major constitutional changes or state sovereignty questions.
Word family
- referenda (noun (plural)): Traditional Latin plural form of referendum.
- referendums (noun (plural)): Standard English plural form of referendum.
Collocations
- hold a referendum
- constitutional referendum
- binding referendum
- pass via referendum
Example sentences
- "The city council decided to submit the transit expansion proposal to a public referendum." Civic policy
- "Voters rejected the constitutional amendment in a nationwide referendum." International news
Memory hook
REFER-endum: Asking government to REFER a decision directly back to the people. Direct voting on an issue, not a candidate.
When not to use
Do not use to refer to an election where people vote for candidate representatives.
Fun facts
- The plural can be either 'referendums' or 'referenda', though major style guides like the AP now prefer 'referendums'.
Related words
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