plebiscite n : a vote by the electorate determining public opinion on a question of national importance

Plebiscite \Pleb"i*scite\, n. [F. pl['e]biscite, fr. L. plebiscitum.] A vote by universal male suffrage; especially, in France, a popular vote, as first sanctioned by the National Constitution of 179
1. [Written also plebiscit.] Plebiscite we have lately taken, in popular use, from the French. --Fitzed. Hall.

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A referendum (also known as a plebiscite or a ballot question) is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of direct democracy. The measure put to a vote is known in the U.S. as a ballot proposition or measure.

The word plebiscite comes from the Latin plebiscita, which originally meant a decree of the Concilium Plebis, the popular assembly of the Roman Republic. Referendums and referenda are both commonly used as plurals of referendum. However, the use of referenda is deprecated by the Oxford English Dictionary, which advises that:

In the United States a plebiscite is typically known as an initiative when originating in a petition of ordinary citizens, and as a referendum only if it consists of a proposal referred to voters by the legislature. A plebiscite can be considered a kind of election and is often referred to as such in the U.S. (an election literally means a choice). In other countries the term election is often reserved for events in which elected representatives are chosen.

• Brgy. Paglaum convenors urge Comelec to pursue plebiscite
  CONVENORS of Barangay Paglaum are hoping that the Commission on Election (Comelec) would push through with the plebiscite on July 26 for the final conversion of Paglaum Village to a barangay. At present, Paglaum Village is still a part of Barangay Mansilingan. Read more on this news related to 'Plebiscite'
• No final decision yet on Pagla-um plebiscite
  COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Bacolod election officer Salud Milagros Villanueva said she will wait for the official response of the Office of the Deputy Director for Operations (ODEDO) if the plebiscite of Barangay Pagluam will push through on July 26. Read more on this news related to 'Plebiscite'
• Turkish president considers recent plebiscite talks pleasing
  ARTVIN - Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Thursday, "It is pleasing that this much debated issue has entered such dimension. It sets an example to the whole world and shall be followed. Read more on this news related to 'Plebiscite'