What is a referendum primarily used for?

A referendum is primarily a tool for direct democracy, allowing voters to make decisions on specific legislative proposals or the adoption of particular policies directly, rather than through elected representatives. This process involves placing a proposed piece of legislation or policy on the ballot, giving the electorate the opportunity to vote on it.

The significance of referendums lies in their ability to gauge public opinion on critical issues and facilitate citizen participation in the legislative process. They empower voters to express their preferences directly, ensuring that important decisions reflect the will of the people rather than being solely made by legislators.

While other options relate to governance and legal processes, they do not capture the essence of a referendum as effectively as the correct answer. Elections for government officials and judicial decisions are typically handled through representative processes, and while amendments to the constitution can involve referendums, the primary purpose is still to enable direct voter input on specific legislation. Thus, providing direct legislation through voter input aptly highlights the primary function of a referendum.