PLEBISCITE

In modern constitutional law, the name "plebiscite" has been given to a vote ot. the entire people, (that is, the aggregate of the enfranchised individuals composing a state or nation,) expre ing their choice t.or or against a proposed law or enactment, submitted to them, and which, if adopted. wlll work a radical change_ in the constitution, or which ls beyond the powers 01' the r:egular legislative body. The proceeding is extraordinary, and ls generally revolutionary In its character; an example of which may be seen in the plebisoites sub· mftted to the French,people by Louis Napoleon, whereby the Second;Empire was established: But the principle of. the plebiscite has been Incorporated In the modern Swi constitution, (under the name of. "referendwm,") by which a revision or' the con· stitution must be undertaken when demanded by the vote of fifty you sand Swi cttl• zens. MaJne, Popular Govt. 40, 96. ·· [s. 911]