Intitiatives

Question 1

What is an initiative/ a proposition?

Answer 1

. An initiative, more commonly known as an a proposition, is a process that enables citizens to bypass their state legislature by placing proposed laws, and in some states constitutional amendments, on the ballot.

Question 2

What is a Direct Proposition?

Answer 2

. In the direct process, proposals that qualify go directly on the ballot.

Question 3

What is an Indirect Proposition?

Answer 3

. In this process, proposals are submitted to the state legislature. Which must decide on what further action should follow.

Question 4

State 2 examples of fairly recent Propositions?

Answer 4

. A 2012 initiative for same - sex marriage meant that Maryland, Maine and Washington State all approved same - sex marriage initiatives.

. A 2010 initiative approved secret ballots for labour union elections in Arizona, South Carolina and Utah.

Question 5

What are the advantages of Initiatives/ Proposition?

Answer 5

. Provides a way of enacting reforms on controversial issues based on public opinion
. Increase voter turnout as well as citizen interest in state policy issues
. Increases responsiveness as well as accountability within states.

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of Initiatives/ Propositions?

Answer 6

. Are vulnerable to manipulation by interest groups and as a result of this, their democratic ability is hindered.
. They lack the flexibility of the legislative process.