A referendum differs from a presidential election in that it specifically seeks public approval or disapproval of a particular policy or constitutional change rather than electing a candidate to a public office. In a referendum, voters directly express their opinion on a specific issue, such as legalizing a substance or altering governance structures. This process emphasizes direct democracy, enabling citizens to have a say in critical decisions. In contrast, a presidential election involves selecting an individual to hold executive powers and manage national governance. Both serve important democratic functions but operate within different frameworks.