What are referenda?

Referenda are a key democratic process where questions or issues are presented to the electorate for a direct vote. This option accurately reflects the essence of what a referendum is: it involves legislatures placing specific proposals on the ballot, allowing voters to decide on matters such as constitutional amendments, new laws, or specific policy questions.

This method of direct democracy enables citizens to have a direct hand in shaping policy or law, as opposed to indirectly influencing decisions through elected representatives. By allowing voters to express their opinions directly on particular issues, referenda help ensure that legislative actions reflect the will of the people.

Other options, while related to aspects of voting and governance, do not represent the definition of referenda. Public polls do not involve direct voting on legislation, statements from citizens regarding their voting experience do not pertain to legislative measures, and independent actions by local governments refer more to administrative decisions rather than the formal process of proposing legislation for public vote.