What is a referendum?

A referendum is a process by which a proposed law or policy is submitted to the electorate for a direct vote. This mechanism enables citizens to participate in the legislative process by expressing their approval or disapproval of specific measures, allowing for direct democracy in decision-making. In this context, the term "electorate" refers to the body of individuals eligible to vote, indicating that the decision is made by the general public rather than by elected representatives alone.

The other options provided do not accurately capture the essence of what a referendum is. An approved legislative act refers to laws that have already been passed by a legislative body, while an interest group is an organized group that seeks to influence legislation or public policy, not a voting process itself. Lobbying involves advocating for specific outcomes or legislation, which is separate from the direct voter involvement indicated by a referendum. Thus, the correct understanding of a referendum is rooted in its role as a voting mechanism directly involving the electorate in law-making.