Leaving out the case of the popular initiative, which leads to the adoption of a new text, a decision-making referendum may also be:

- suspensive: the text may not enter into force unless it has been approved by the voters or unless a request to hold a referendum has not been made within the time-limit established by the Constitution or by law;

- abrogative or resolutory: the text ceases to be in force following a vote against it or failure to secure a “yes” vote within a certain time-limit after its adoption.