plebiscite

American  

[pleb-uh-sahyt, -sit] / ˈplɛb əˌsaɪt, -sɪt /

noun

1. a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state in regard to some important public question.

2. the vote by which the people of a political unit determine autonomy or affiliation with another country.

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plebiscite British  

/ pləˈbɪsɪtərɪ, ˈplɛbɪˌsaɪt, -sɪt /

noun

1. a direct vote by the electorate of a state, region, etc, on some question of usually national importance, such as union with another state or acceptance of a government programme

2. any expression or determination of public opinion on some matter

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plebiscite Cultural  

1. A vote of an entire nation or other large political unit on an issue of great importance. A plebiscite is not an election, for there are no candidates. Rather, people vote yes or no on a proposition.

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Other Word Forms

• plebiscitary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of plebiscite

1525–35; < French < Latin plēbīscītum decree of the plebs, equivalent to plēbī (for plēbis, plēbēī genitive singular of plēbs, plēbēs plebs ) + scītum resolution, decree, noun use of neuter of scītus, past participle of scīscere to enact, decree, originally, to seek to know, learn, inchoative of scīre to know

Explanation

A plebiscite is a direct vote by eligible voters to decide an important public question, such as a change to the constitution, secession, or a similar issue of national or regional importance. The word plebiscite comes from the Latin word plebiscitum, meaning "a decree of the people," with the roots plebs, "the common people," and scitum, "decree." A plebiscite can also be called a referendum. Periodically, for example, Quebec separatists hold a plebiscite to determine whether Quebec should secede from Canada. So far, the secessionists have not prevailed at the polls.

Example Sentences

If there is any man who really rules the little strip it is General John J. Pershing, President of the Plebiscite Commission, who is sitting tight in the little town of Arica.

From Time Magazine Archive

There, an old horse, forever paretically nodding yes-yes-yes, is named Plebiscite.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Argentina's pro-Government press, ranging from pontifical La Naci�n to the Naziphile Pampero, there burgeoned last week a crop of paid advertisements announcing a "Plebiscite of Peace."

From Time Magazine Archive

This club is usually presided over by M. Cernuschi, a banker, who was in bad odour with the Imperial Government for having subscribed a large sum for the electoral campaign against the Plebiscite.

From Diary of the Besieged Resident in Paris by Labouchere, Henry

By this Plebiscite, the prohibitionists of Canada have been given a privilege never enjoyed by any other nation, and they have used it well, but now the work is just begun.

From The Story of a Dark Plot or Tyranny on the Frontier by A.L.O. C.

Related Words

• election
• poll
• polling
• referendum
• slate
• tally
• ticket