Ballot Initiative

Definition

A process allowing citizens to propose legislation directly through petition signatures, bypassing the legislature. It's democracy's way of saying 'we don't trust you guys.'

Example Usage

The ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage qualified after activists gathered 600,000 signatures.

Origin

From 'initiative' meaning 'the power to initiate,' adopted in California in 1911.

Fun Fact

California's ballot initiatives system has led to some bizarre laws, including a 2016 proposal to create a separate state for gun owners.

Source: Direct democracy and ballot measure documentation

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