Which type of referendum allows citizens to vote on a bill that was previously rejected by the legislature?

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Prepare for UCF POT4314 Contemporary Democratic Theory Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with explanations. Pass your exam with confidence!

The correct answer is the popular referendum. A popular referendum is specifically designed to allow citizens to directly vote on issues that have already been considered and rejected by the legislature. This mechanism is often seen as a way to empower the electorate, providing them a chance to overturn legislative decisions with which they disagree by gathering enough support to bring the issue to a public vote.

In contrast, other types of referendums do not share this characteristic. For instance, a general referendum typically addresses broader issues, such as constitutional amendments or national policies, rather than specific bills. An advisory referendum serves merely to gauge public opinion on a matter without having any binding legal effect, which means the legislature is not obliged to act on the results. Lastly, a plebiscitary referendum is more focused on issues of significant national importance, such as a vote of confidence in government or major policy decisions, rather than specific legislative proposals that have been rejected. Thus, the nature of the popular referendum’s function directly affirms its qualification as the correct answer.