What is a referendum and how does it differ from an ordinary bill?

What is a referendum and how does it differ from an ordinary bill?

• A. A referendum is an executive order.
• B. A referendum is a local issue.
• C. A referendum is a public vote on changing the Constitution.
• D. A referendum is a bill proposed to become law.

Answer: (C)

A referendum is a public vote on changing the Constitution. In Australia, it means people directly vote yes or no on a proposed constitutional change, and it only becomes part of the Constitution if it achieves a double majority (a majority nationwide and a majority of states). This is different from an ordinary bill, which is created and debated in Parliament and becomes law if Parliament passes it, without a direct public vote. A referendum is about altering the Constitution, not about ordinary legislation, and it requires the people’s approval, not just the Parliament.

A referendum is a public vote on changing the Constitution. In Australia, it means people directly vote yes or no on a proposed constitutional change, and it only becomes part of the Constitution if it achieves a double majority (a majority nationwide and a majority of states). This is different from an ordinary bill, which is created and debated in Parliament and becomes law if Parliament passes it, without a direct public vote. A referendum is about altering the Constitution, not about ordinary legislation, and it requires the people’s approval, not just the Parliament.