Introduction
Initiative and referendum are powers granted to the electorate by the constitution of several states, and refer to the processes that allow voters to vote directly on certain legislation. They represent a direct check on democracy and prevent the tyranny of elected legislators. Though they have similar nature, there are differences between initiative and referendum that will be discussed in this article.
Initiative
Initiative is a political instrument given as a power to the voters of a state, allowing them to propose statutes bypassing their own legislature or even propose constitutional amendments. There are 24 states that grant this special power to their people. There are two types of initiatives: direct and indirect. In direct initiative, the proposal bypasses the legislation and goes directly to the ballot. In indirect initiative, the proposal is first sent to the legislature that can accept, amend, or reject it. Initiatives can either ask for a statute revision or call for an amendment to the constitution.
Referendum
Referendum is the power in the hands of the electorate to either accept or reject a proposal to an existing legislation through an election called for this purpose. It can be initiated by the legislature or by the voters themselves. Legislative referendum is less controversial and often easily approved. Popular referendum supersedes the powers of the legislature and allows the electorate to reject or approve a piece of legislation within 90 days of its passing. There are 24 states where popular referendum can take place.
What is the difference between Initiative and Referendum?
– Initiative allows people to get the government to do what it should have and did not, while referendum gives people the power to get the government not to do what they wanted to do.
– Initiative starts with votes, while legislative referendum initiates from the legislature and goes to the public to approve or reject the proposed legislation.
Highlights
1. Initiative and referendum are powers granted to the electorate by the constitution of several states, allowing voters to vote directly on certain legislation.
2. Initiatives are proposals bypassing the legislature and can either ask for a statute revision or a constitutional amendment.
3. Referendum is the power for the electorate to accept or reject a proposal to existing legislation, and can be initiated by the legislature or by the voters.
