A plebiscite is a direct vote in which the electorate is invited to decide on a specific proposal, often related to constitutional changes or territorial issues. This process allows citizens to express their opinions on significant matters, such as independence or changes in governance, and is typically conducted through a simple yes or no ballot. Plebiscites can be seen as a form of direct democracy, where the will of the people is directly measured. They are often used in situations where political leaders seek public approval for major decisions, such as the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom or the Quebec sovereignty referendums in Canada.