What is a referendum?

• A. A recall election
• B. A ballot measure placed on the ballot by citizen petition
• C. A constitutional amendment proposed by voters
• D. A measure where the legislature asks voters to approve or reject a proposal

Answer: (D)

A referendum is when voters are asked to approve or reject a proposal that the legislature has put on the ballot, usually a law or a constitutional change. It serves as a direct check on legislative action, letting the public decide whether to accept what the legislature has proposed. This differentiates it from a recall (which removes an official), from a ballot measure started by citizens themselves through petitions (an initiative), or from a proposal to amend the constitution that voters generate themselves (also an initiative in many places). So the essence is: the legislature presents the measure to voters for approval or rejection.