What power allows citizens to repeal legislation by gathering signatures?

The correct answer is that a referendum allows citizens to repeal legislation by gathering signatures. A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can result in the adoption or repeal of legislation. In the context of repealing a law, citizens typically gather a certain number of signatures to place that law on the ballot, giving the people the power to vote directly on whether to keep or reject the legislation.

Other concepts related but distinct from a referendum include initiatives, which allow citizens to propose new laws or amendments to existing laws, and recalls, which are a process for removing elected officials from office. A plebiscite is similar to a referendum but is often used for broader questions of policy or constitutional change rather than simply legislative repeal. Understanding these distinctions is key to grasping the mechanisms of direct democracy utilized by citizens.