Franchise

1. A special privilege that is conferred by the government uponindividuals and that does not of common right belong to the citizens of thecountry. For example, a municipality may grant to a local bus company afranchise that will give it sole authority to operate buses in the municipalityfor a certain number of years. 2. The right given to a private person orcorporation to market another's product within a certain area. 3. Electivefranchise (sometimes called simply "the franchise") refers to the right ofcitizens to vote in public elections.