Referendum

it is a mechanism which allows voter to make a choice between alternatives courses of action on a particular issue. The result of the referendum may then be embodied in the particular`s state ; it can be mandatory before an international treaty can be signed; it may serve as the equivalent of legislation;May be necessary before public funds can be raised for a particular purpose; or it may simply be advisory. In some countries, such as Britain, the referendum has been effectively limited to big constitutional issues. In countries or states where there is more extensive use of the referendum, it is usual for a referendum question to be placed before the electorate if a given number or percentage of signatures can be obtained from electors in a specified time period, although there may also be provision for a referendum initiated by the head of government (as in France) or the legislature.