What is a referendum?

A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption of new legislation or policy. This process allows citizens to directly influence laws, amendments, and specific issues rather than relying solely on elected representatives to make those decisions on their behalf.

The proposed legislation typically appears on the ballot, and voters either approve or reject it through their votes. This mechanism of direct democracy empowers the public and is often used for significant issues that affect the community or state as a whole, fostering greater civic engagement and responsibility.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the core essence of a referendum. Meetings of legislative bodies involve discussions and decisions made by elected representatives, while campaign fundraisers support political candidates or causes rather than facilitating a public vote. A judicial review process pertains to the examination of laws and actions by the judiciary, ensuring they comply with constitutional principles, rather than a public voting mechanism. Therefore, the correct understanding of a referendum lies in its role as a direct voting method for proposed legislation.