Ballot Initiative
A process by which citizens can propose new laws or constitutional amendments directly, bypassing the legislature, through a petition and popular vote.
Explanation
A ballot initiative (or citizens' initiative) allows the public to legislate directly by gathering enough signatures to put a question to a popular vote. It is a form of direct democracy that bypasses elected representatives. Many U.S. states have initiative processes — California's has produced landmark legislation on everything from marijuana legalization to property tax limits (Proposition 13, 1978). Switzerland uses the initiative extensively at federal and cantonal levels. Critics argue initiatives allow well-funded special interests to manipulate public opinion; supporters say they give citizens direct legislative power when politicians avoid difficult issues. Initiatives that pass can sometimes be struck down by courts as unconstitutional.
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