Modern national languages are constantly enriched with new words borrowed from the vocabulary of other peoples. Some terms are so significant that it is simply necessary for a cultural person to know their meaning. For example, what is a plebiscite? You know? If not, then let's figure it out.
Definition
Naturally, analyzing what a plebiscite is, it is necessary to consider the origin of the word itself. It turns out that it is composed of two source codes. The first - "plebs" - means "ordinary people." The second - "scitum" - translates as "decision" or "decree".
If put together, it turns out that a plebiscite is a common decision of the entire population. It must be said that such a concept arose in ancient Rome. There, a tradition was formed where all citizens with the
right to vote jointly decided on certain issues. This was mandatory for all who lived in this territory.
Key features
Arguing about what a plebiscite is, it is worth considering in detail its goals and implementation methods. It is believed that this is an event in which all citizens can take part. In addition, it is intended to intensify them to participate in the discussion of an important issue submitted for consideration. The list of such is not limited. But most often a plebiscite is organized to solve territorial or international issues that are vital for the state. In addition, this survey form is used when voting for one candidate. For example, when you need to speak out about trust in the president. Thus, when asked what a plebiscite is, we get the answer that this is a mass survey with a wide coverage of respondents. It should be noted that this event is paid from the treasury. It requires large material and human resources.
Theory of plebiscite democracy
Given historical experience, French philosophers put forward the following idea: in order to avoid the instability of society, the leader must rely on the opinion of the people, expressed not through representatives, but directly.
That is, for the president’s conversation with people, a representative body is not needed - parliament. You can simply monitor the opinions of citizens through plebiscites, thereby establishing a balance of power and people. Such a theory was called plebiscite democracy. It was developed in Germany when, according to the results of the referendum (1934), the Germans gave A. Hitler the
powers of the president. That is, it turns out that the dictator gives
people power, using a plebiscite as a democratic procedure. The definition of further state policy in this case depends on the personality of the leader.
What is the difference between a plebiscite and a referendum?
First of all, it is necessary to highlight the goal-setting in carrying out these activities. A referendum is a democratic procedure for the participation of citizens in resolving state issues.
It is used when it is necessary to find out the opinion of the majority of the population. Now, many countries are preparing referendums on the statehood of territories. For example, Quebec regularly finds out the opinion of citizens on the issue of separation from Canada. Approximately the same topic is discussed by the inhabitants of Scotland and Catalonia. This process is democratic, lengthy, requiring hard work of state bodies and public organizations. Often a referendum is used to shape public opinion. That is, in the process of discussing the issue, people change their attitude towards it. A plebiscite is held when it is urgently necessary to resolve the issue of special significance not only for the state, but also for every citizen. It is known from history that this form of “conversation” with the people was often used by strong leaders to gain uncontrolled power. So Louis Bonaparte legalized his position in 1851.