Which term refers to the collective ability of all eligible citizens to vote in elections?

The term that refers to the collective ability of all eligible citizens to vote in elections is "electorate." The electorate encompasses the entire population of individuals who are legally entitled to participate in voting, typically representing a significant aspect of democratic governance. This concept is crucial as it reflects the foundation of representative democracy, where the power of the government is derived from the consent of the governed through their participation in elections.

Other terms, while related to the voting process, do not define the collective voter population. A voting bloc refers to a group of voters who share specific interests or goals and may tend to vote together to influence outcomes on particular issues or elections. A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a particular proposal and can involve amendments to laws or decisions on policies. Civic engagement refers to the participation of individuals in the political process, which includes voting but also encompasses activities such as community service, activism, or political discussions. Thus, the precise term signifying the collective voting power of eligible citizens is "electorate."