Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new law, a change in policy, or an amendment to the constitution.
Related terms
Direct Democracy: A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly.
Ballot Initiative: A means by which a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters can force a government to choose to either enact a law or hold a public vote in the legislature’s stead.
A body of electors established by the United States Constitution, constituted every four years for the sole purpose of electing the president and vice president of the United States