Direct Democracy

1
Direct Democracy
2
Initiatives

• A process that enables citizens to bypass their
  state legislature by placing proposed statutes
  and, in some states, constitutional amendments,
  on the ballot.
• Two types
• Direct straight from people to ballot
• Indirect goes to legislature first

3
Referendum

• Legislative
• Legislature puts a measure on the ballot for
  voter approval.
• Popular
• Citizens petition to vote to approve or
  disapprove a law enacted by the legislature.

4
The process

• Single Subject rule
• Title and summary
• Signatures
• Majority vote

5
Initiatives the ideal

• Direct legislation by the people
• Grass-roots citizen activists gather signatures
  and campaign for legislation
• Enact popular legislation stopped by obstruction
  in the legislature

6
Initiatives reality

• Politicians not citizens
• Buying ballot access
• Framing effects
• Inability to amend
• Lack of deliberation/consideration of minority
  rights
• End up in the courts
• Unintended consequences

7
Possible reforms?

• Spending limits
• Lowered signature requirements for volunteer
  efforts
• Allow people to sign online
• Have to pass with supermajority
• Allow legislature to amend
• Limit number on ballot