What is the primary purpose of a referendum?

The primary purpose of a referendum is to allow voters to back or reject a specific proposal. This is a direct democratic mechanism where the electorate is given the power to make decisions on particular issues, often through a vote on proposed legislation or constitutional amendments. Referendums are significant as they empower citizens to participate actively in the decision-making process, rather than solely relying on elected representatives to make those choices for them.

In many cases, referendums are used for high-stakes decisions, such as constitutional changes or landmark issues like independence, EU membership, or major policy reforms. This aspect reflects a critical function of referendums: facilitating public engagement and ensuring that a significant majority of the populace expresses its opinion on crucial matters that affect the society as a whole.