Referendum

An ambassador’s submission to his government of a proposition in reference to which he requires further authority in order to act; the submission to popular vote of a proposed measure to become a law if ratified at the election.

In International law. A communication sent by a diplomatic representative to his home government, in regard to matters presented to him which he is unable or unwilling to decide without further instructions. In the modern constitutional law of Switzerland, the referendum Is a method of submitting an important legislative measure to a direct vote of the whole pcople. See Plebiscite.