What is an example of referendum?
For example, Australia defines ‘referendum’ as a vote to change the constitution and ‘plebiscite’ as a vote that does not affect the constitution. In contrast, Ireland has only ever held one plebiscite, which was the vote to adopt its constitution, and every other vote has been called a referendum.
What is initiative in political science?
In political science, an initiative (also known as a popular initiative or citizens’ initiative) is a means by which a petition signed by a certain number of registered voters can force a government to choose either to enact a law or hold a public vote in the legislature in what is called indirect initiative, or under …
What happens in recall election?
A recall election (also called a recall referendum, recall petition or representative recall) is a procedure by which, in certain polities, voters can remove an elected official from office through a referendum before that official’s term of office has ended.
Is initiative an example of direct democracy?
Semi-direct democracies, in which representatives administer day-to-day governance, but the citizens remain the sovereign, allow for three forms of popular action: referendum (plebiscite), initiative, and recall. The first two forms—referendums and initiatives—are examples of direct legislation.
What is a state initiative or referendum?
The referendum process allows citizens to refer a law that passed the legislature to the ballot for voters to decide whether to uphold or repeal the law. In 26 states, a statewide initiative and/or referendum process is available to citizens.
How do referendums work in the US?
The referendum process allows citizens to refer a statute passed by the legislature to the ballot so that voters can enact or repeal the measure. Once enough signatures are gathered on petitions, the law is usually stayed, or stopped from going into effect, until the voters have decided the question.
What is the history and use of initiatives and referenda?
History and use. Because initiatives and referenda are examples of direct democracy, and were staple reforms of the Progressive Era, many advocates of limited, constitutional government have scorned these processes as promoting “mob rule” or leading to the tyranny of the majority.