Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A referendum is a direct vote by citizens on a specific issue or proposal put forth by the government. It allows people to directly participate in decision-making processes.
Related terms
Representative Democracy: A form of government where citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.
Initiative Process: A process that allows citizens to propose new laws or changes to existing laws through petitions.