What does referendum mean in government

The referendum is the submission of every issue to the people. I've got news too—the referendum was eight to one for strike—and the national's wired that John Dawson's on the way!

One reason for this result was that the verdict was given in a general election, not in a referendum. Having achieved that status the Irish people may by referendum freely choose their own form of government. A direct popular vote on an issue of public policy, such as a proposed amendment to a state constitution or a proposed law. Referendums, which allow the general population to participate in policymaking, are not used at the national level, but are common at the state and local levels. A referendum is often used to gauge popular approval or rejection of laws recently passed or under consideration by a state legislature.

A referendum can also be used to initiate legislative action. A vote by the general public, rather than by governmental bodies, on a bill or some other important issue; a plebiscite. New Word List Word List. Save This Word! Translator tool. What is the pronunciation of referendum? Browse reference group. Test your vocabulary with our fun image quizzes.

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Sign up now or Log in. Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. Follow us. Choose a dictionary. Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. You could vote on whether the recreational use of cannabis should become legal.

You could also vote on whether the End of Life Choice Act should come into force, giving people with a terminal illness the option of requesting assisted dying. Find out more about the referendums in Seek a referendum - New Zealand Parliament. Guide for petitions - New Zealand Parliament. Skip to main content Skip to navigation within this section. Home About elections What is a referendum?

About elections. Citizens initiated referendum Any New Zealand citizen can start the process for a nationwide referendum. A referendum starts with a petition To begin the process, a citizen submits a proposal to the Clerk of the House of Representatives asking to promote a referendum petition.