A referendum is a device to ensure that

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks what purpose a referendum serves in a political system.

Step 2: Explain the concept A referendum is a direct vote in which the entire electorate is asked to accept or reject a particular proposal, law, or constitutional change. Instead of leaving the decision to legislators or the executive, the people themselves decide, usually with a simple "Yes" or "No".

Examples:

• The Brexit referendum in the UK (2016)
• Referendums on constitutional amendments in many countries

Step 3: Evaluate each option

• A. Elections are free and fair. This is the job of an electoral body (like INEC) and electoral laws, not the purpose of a referendum.
• B. Legislators vote to resolve contentious issues. In a referendum, the citizens vote, not legislators. This is wrong.
• C. Decisions are effected with the consent of citizens. A referendum seeks the direct approval of the people on an important issue, so government action carries their consent. This is correct.
• D. Bye-elections are held to fill vacant positions. This describes a bye-election, not a referendum.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is C.

Step 5: Exam tip Remember: Referendum = Refer to the people. Whenever you see "direct vote on an issue", think "consent of the citizens". Don't confuse it with:

• Bye-election: fills a vacant seat
• Plebiscite: similar, but often used to determine the status of a territory
• Recall: voters remove an elected official