Plebiscite vs. Referendum — What's the Difference?

A vote by the populace on a significant issue, often involving sovereignty.

A vote on a specific question posed for public judgment.

A popular vote typically called to resolve a matter of public policy.

A ballot measure put forth for public approval or rejection.

A direct vote for expressing the will of the people on a specific issue.

A public vote to approve or disapprove a proposed law or amendment.

A ballot in which the public casts yes-or-no votes on a political question.

A legally binding vote on a particular issue.

A consultative vote where the outcome may not be legally binding.

A referendum (plural: referendums or less commonly referenda) is a direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue. This is in contrast to an issue being voted on by a representative.

A direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to accept or refuse a proposal

The submission of a proposed public measure or actual statute to a direct popular vote.

A vote in which a population exercises the right of national self-determination.

Such a vote.

A referendum, especially one that concerns changes in sovereignty

A note from a diplomat to the diplomat's government requesting instructions.

A vote by universal male suffrage; especially, in France, a popular vote, as first sanctioned by the National Constitution of 1791.

(politics) A direct popular vote on a proposed law or constitutional amendment. The adposition on is usually used before the related subject of the vote.

A vote by the electorate determining public opinion on a question of national importance

An action, choice, etc., which is perceived as passing judgment on another matter.

A diplomatic agent's note asking for instructions from his government concerning a particular matter or point.

The right to approve or reject by popular vote a meassure passed upon by a legislature.

The principle or practice of referring measures passed upon by the legislative body to the body of voters, or electorate, for approval or rejection, as in the Swiss cantons (except Freiburg) and in various local governments in the United States, and also in the local option laws, etc.; also, the right to so approve or reject laws, or the vote by which this is done. Referendum is distinguished from the mandate, or instruction of representatives by the people, from direct government by the people, in which they initiate and make the laws by direct action without representation, and from a plebiscite, or popular vote taken on any measure proposed by a person or body having the initiative but not constituting a representative or constituent body.

A legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate

A method of direct democracy allowing citizens to vote on legislation.

Typically not. Plebiscites are usually initiated by a government.

Often, but not always. The legal binding nature of a referendum can vary by jurisdiction.

No, plebiscites are generally less common than referendums.

In a referendum, the public usually votes on specific pieces of legislation or policy proposals.

Yes, in some jurisdictions citizens can initiate a referendum via petitions.

Typically, plebiscites are reserved for more significant, often existential issues.

Plebiscites are usually used for questions involving sovereignty or significant constitutional matters.

Technically yes, as plebiscites may be consultative and not legally binding.

While sometimes used interchangeably, they generally refer to different types of public votes.

Usually, a government or governing body calls for a plebiscite.

Usually very specific, often concerning laws, amendments, or policy proposals.

Various triggers, including government decisions, legislative requirements, or citizen petitions.

Yes, a referendum is a mechanism of direct democracy.

Yes, a referendum can be used to repeal existing laws or amendments.

Yes, both can be divisive as they often touch on issues of public importance.