Plebiscite

plebiscite, a vote by the people of an entire country or district to decide on some issue, such as choice of a ruler or government, option for independence or annexation by another power, or a question of national policy.

In a plebiscite, voters are asked not to choose between alternate parties or proposals but to confirm or reject the legitimacy of such proposals (see above). 

Plebiscites are seen as a way for a government to go directly to the people, bypassing intermediaries such as political parties. After the Revolution of 1789, the plebiscite was popular in France because it was an expression of popular sovereignty. In 1804, a plebiscite made Napoleon emperor.

Plebiscites are elections held to decide two paramount types of political issues.

Plebiscites have been used to establish political boundaries when it is a question of nationality. For example, in 1935, the Saar chose to remain part of Fascist Germany rather than become part of communist France.

Because a plebiscite offers a way of showing a popular mandate without officially sanctioning any particular party, fascistadministrations often use them to gauge the will of the people.