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Plebiscite: meaning, definitions and examples

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plebiscite

 

[ˈplɛbɪsʌɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

political process

A plebiscite is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to accept or refuse a proposal. It is usually used in a political context to determine public opinion on important issues.

Synonyms

ballot, poll, referendum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plebiscite

Used in formal or legal contexts to describe a direct vote by the electorate on an important public question, such as a change in the constitution.

  • The government held a plebiscite to decide on the new constitution
  • The results of the plebiscite showed overwhelming support for the change
referendum

Typically used to describe a direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or issue, often initiated by the government or another political body.

  • The country held a referendum to decide whether to join the economic union
  • The referendum results showed that the majority of voters were in favor of the proposal
ballot

Used in general contexts to refer to the method by which votes are cast in an election or referendum, often involving the use of a paper or electronic system.

  • Voters cast their ballots in the local election
  • The results of the ballot were announced the following day
poll

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the process of voting in an election or survey, or as a method to gauge public opinion.

  • The exit polls suggested a close race between the candidates
  • We conducted a poll to see how popular the new policy was among the citizens

Examples of usage

  • The government decided to hold a plebiscite to let the people decide on the new tax law.
  • In some countries, a plebiscite is required to make major constitutional changes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'plebs', meaning 'the common people'.
  • A related term, 'referendum', also means voting on specific policies or decisions.
  • Plebiscites became popular in political systems in the 19th century.

History

  • The first modern plebiscite is often cited as the vote held in 1848 in Switzerland concerning their federal constitution.
  • In 1870, the French Emperor Napoleon III held a plebiscite to solidify his power, reflecting its use in authoritarian regimes.
  • The plebiscite in 1960 in Morocco was pivotal in establishing its path to independence from colonial rule.

Political Science

  • Plebiscites can serve as a tool for direct democracy, allowing citizens to have a say in important decisions.
  • They sometimes lead to political instability, as the outcomes can be heavily influenced by propaganda.
  • In some nations, plebiscites are mandatory for major constitutional changes, showing their constitutional importance.

Pop Culture

  • Plebiscites have been referenced in various films and books as symbols of democracy and the power of the people's voice.
  • In the video game 'Civilization', players can engage in plebiscites to influence their civilization's future direction.
  • Television shows often dramatize plebiscites to showcase the tension between different societal factions.

Comparative Politics

  • Countries like Switzerland frequently use plebiscites, allowing citizens to decide on laws and constitutional amendments.
  • Others, such as North Korea, utilize plebiscites as a form of legitimizing political power without real public choice.
  • The effectiveness and perception of plebiscites can vary widely across different cultures and systems of governance.

Translations

Translations of the word "plebiscite" in other languages:

🇵🇹 plebiscito

🇮🇳 जनमत संग्रह

🇩🇪 Volksabstimmung

🇮🇩 plebisit

🇺🇦 плебісцит

🇵🇱 plebiscyt

🇯🇵 国民投票 (kokumin tōhyō)

🇫🇷 plébiscite

🇪🇸 plebiscito

🇹🇷 halk oylaması

🇰🇷 국민투표 (gukmin tuphyo)

🇸🇦 استفتاء (istifta')

🇨🇿 plebiscit

🇸🇰 plebiscit

🇨🇳 公民投票 (gōngmín tóupiào)

🇸🇮 plebiscit

🇮🇸 þjóðaratkvæðagreiðsla

🇰🇿 плебисцит

🇬🇪 პლებისციტი (plebisciti)

🇦🇿 plebisit

🇲🇽 plebiscito

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,183, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.