This is known as the Referendum, and is supposed to be derived from the practice of the old Swiss Confederation, when the delegates of the thirteen independent states of which it was composed had to _refer_ to their governments for confirmation the decisions of the Federal Diet. It is one of the most characteristic of Swiss institutions, and is by far the most original creation of Swiss democracy. “The Referendum looks at first sight like a French _plébiscite_, but no two institutions can be marked by more essential differences. The _plébiscite_ is a revolutionary or at least abnormal proceeding. It is not preceded by debate. The form and nature of the question to be submitted to the nation are chosen and settled by the men in power, and Frenchmen are asked whether they will or will not accept a given policy. Rarely, indeed, when it has been taken, has the voting itself been either free or fair. Deliberation and discussion are the requisite conditions for rational decision. Where effective opposition is an impossibility, nominal assent is an unmeaning compliment. These essential characteristics, the lack of which deprives a French _plébiscite_ of all moral significance, are the undoubted properties of the Swiss Referendum. It is a real appeal to the true judgment of the nation, and the appeal is free from the coercion, the unreality, and the fraud which taint or vitiate a _plébiscite_. The Referendum, in short, is a regular, normal, peaceful proceeding, unconnected with any revolution, any violence, or despotic coercion.”[53]