A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to either accept or reject a particular proposal, often related to constitutional amendments or significant policy changes. In a democracy, it functions as a mechanism to gauge public opinion on issues that may be too contentious for legislative bodies to decide. Referendums allow citizens to have a direct voice in governance, fostering engagement and legitimacy. The outcome informs policymakers and can lead to changes in laws or government practices based on the will of the people.