What is a referendum?

A referundum is a vote which allows all the citizens to approve or to reject a measure proposed by the executive power. The referendum is thus an instrument of " direct democracy ". It allows the people to intervene directly in certain domains of the national or local politics. Today, many observers suggest resorting to more referendum such as the Brexit referundum. In the UK, there are also some ‘top-down’ referendums with the citizen initiated ballots which has also been seen in many US states and elsewhere. 

BB
Answered by Barbara B. Politics tutor

3352 Views

See similar Politics A Level tutors

Related Politics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is democracy?


Outline the difference between "positive" and "negative" freedom?


On what grounds do conservatives justify social hierarchy?


What is legitimacy and how is it gained?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning