Final answer:
A vote by the electorate on a single political question referred to them for a direct decision is known as a referendum. This allows voters to make direct decisions on legislative acts or amendments, reflecting the principles of direct democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes a vote by the electorate on a single political question referred to them for a direct decision is a referendum. A referendum is a yes or no vote by citizens on a law or candidate proposed by the state government. This form of direct democracy allows voters to approve or reject specific legislative acts or amendments.
In the United States, direct democracy takes various forms, including the initiative, referendum, and recall. An initiative allows citizens to propose laws and amendments for a vote, the referendum gives citizens the power to approve or repeal government decisions, and a recall is a process where voters can remove elected officials from office. The referendum and these other forms empower citizens to have a more direct role in governance.