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REFERENDUM, n. A law for submission of proposed…

“REFERENDUM, n. A law for submission of proposed legislation to a popular vote to learn the nonsensus of public opinion.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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“REFERENDUM, n. A law for submission of proposed legislation to a popular vote to learn the nonsensus of public opinion.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A referendum is a tool to gauge public consensus by letting citizens vote directly on legislation.

In simple terms: A public vote to see what people think.

Key Takeaway

Use referendums to measure true public opinion.

Themes

democracy public opinion political process

Mood

reflective analytical

Type

informative analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy decisions
  • community engagement
  • government accountability

Key Concepts

direct democracy consensus measurement legislative legitimacy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does voter turnout affect the legitimacy of a referendum?
  • What safeguards ensure a fair public vote?
A Different Perspective

Referendums can be manipulated by framing or limited voter participation.

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