Referendum is best defined as which option?

• A. A direct vote in which the general public votes on the answer to a specific question or issue
• B. A note or letter from a diplomat to his or her home country, asking for instructions
• C. A form of government formed by a coalition
• D. A petition to hold an election

Answer: (A)

A referendum is a direct vote by the public on a specific question or issue. In this process, people decide the outcome themselves on that issue, rather than electing representatives to decide for them. It’s different from a general election, where voters choose individuals who will govern or make laws on a broad range of topics. A referendum might decide on constitutional changes or specific laws.

The other descriptions don’t fit: a diplomatic note is merely a formal communication from a diplomat; a coalition government is a way a government is formed, not a vote on a single issue; a petition to hold an election is about initiating voting, not the direct decision on a particular policy.