the.com/plebiscite
A nation handed a single yes-or-no question and a very heavy pen.
means A direct popular vote in which an entire electorate decides one specific question, like independence or a constitution.
from From Latin plebiscitum, the plebs (common people) plus scitum (decree) — literally what the commoners decided, back when Rome's elite found that mildly alarming.
Strongman favoriteNapoleon and dictators loved them for rubber-stamp legitimacy.
Versus referendumOften advisory, while referendums can legally bind.
Map makerRedrew Europe's borders after both World Wars.