In the following question, select the one word that best substitutes the given phrase: “A decision made by public voting.”

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Plebiscite

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question tests your knowledge of political terms for forms of public decision making. The phrase “a decision made by public voting” refers to an official vote in which the entire electorate is asked to accept or reject a proposal. The specific term for such nationwide or region wide votes is often seen in news about constitutional changes or independence movements.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The phrase describes a formal decision where the people vote directly on a question.
  • Plebiscite is a direct vote by the electorate on an important public question, such as a change in constitution or sovereignty.
  • Anthracite is a hard type of coal.
  • Chalcocite is a mineral consisting of copper sulphide.
  • Reincite is not a standard term in political science and generally would mean to incite again.
  • The answer must match the democratic process of decision by public vote.


Concept / Approach:
The core idea is direct decision by citizens. The correct term Plebiscite comes from Latin plebs meaning the people. It is closely related to the idea of referendums. The other words clearly belong to geology or describe actions of incitement rather than formal democratic processes. Matching the political context of the phrase with the recognised term ensures the correct choice.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand the phrase as describing a formal public vote on an issue. Step 2: Consider Plebiscite. It is defined as a direct vote of all the members of an electorate on an important public question, which exactly matches a decision made by public voting. Step 3: Examine Anthracite. This is a type of coal and has nothing to do with votes or decisions. Step 4: Examine Chalcocite. This is a mineral name and not related to governance or public participation. Step 5: Examine Reincite. This would mean to incite again, and is not a technical term for any constitutional process. Step 6: Therefore, Plebiscite is the only option that correctly substitutes the phrase.


Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine a news sentence: “The government decided to hold a plebiscite on the independence question.” This clearly shows that the decision is made by public voting. Using Anthracite or Chalcocite would produce absurd statements. Dictionaries and political science textbooks consistently use Plebiscite for decisions made through direct vote of the people.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Anthracite and Chalcocite belong entirely to the field of geology and mining. Reincite is not a term associated with elections or referendums. None of these words involve voting, public decisions or constitutional processes. Selecting them would disconnect the phrase from its political meaning.



Common Pitfalls:
Some students may confuse Plebiscite with words like Parasite or Precipitate because of similar sounds and spellings. To remember correctly, link pleb in Plebiscite to people or plebeians and cite to voting or decision. This association firmly places the word in the context of public voting.



Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for “a decision made by public voting” is Plebiscite, so the correct answer is option Plebiscite.

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