plebiscitary
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to a plebiscite: "plebiscitary" describes something that pertains to or is characterized by a direct vote by the entire electorate on a specific political question, such as a change to a constitution or a matter of national importance.
Usage Examples
- (A direct vote by the people on a political question.)
- (The election was characterized by a direct vote.)
Advanced Usage
"Plebiscitary democracy": a form of democracy where decisions are made through direct votes by the people, rather than through elected representatives.
- The country's shift toward plebiscitary democracy allowed for more frequent public votes on key policies. (A system based on direct votes.)
"Plebiscitary leadership": leadership that seeks legitimacy through direct appeals to the people, often bypassing traditional institutions.
- The leader's plebiscitary style relied on popular approval rather than parliamentary support. (Leadership based on direct public votes.)
Variants and Related Words
Plebiscite (n): a direct vote by the electorate on a specific political question.
- The plebiscite on the treaty was held last month. (A direct vote on a political issue.)
Plebiscitarian (n): a supporter or advocate of plebiscites.
- The plebiscitarian argued for more direct democracy. (A person who supports direct votes.)
Synonyms
- Referendary: relating to a referendum (a direct vote on a specific issue).
- Direct-democratic: pertaining to a form of democracy where citizens vote directly on policies.
Related Idioms
"Put to the people": to submit a decision to a direct vote of the electorate.
- The controversial law was put to the people in a plebiscitary vote. (The decision was made by direct popular vote.)
"Voice of the people": the collective opinion or will of the electorate, as expressed in a direct vote.
- The plebiscitary result was seen as the true voice of the people. (The outcome reflected public opinion directly.)