POS 301 Topic 8 DQ 1

POS 301 Topic 8 DQ 1

Donovan (2014) defines initiative as a right of citizens to bypass the official process of legislation. This process can allow the ordinary citizen to initiate an amendment that he or she believes that it is necessary. If the initiative process is a direct one the proposal can go directly to the ballot. Nonetheless, the proposal shall still go to the referendum even if the legislature rejects it in case it had initially through an indirect process.

A referendum is a democratic tool for the citizen to vote on a proposal that affects all the individuals in a country. This democratic right enables citizens to engage directly in policy formulation. Williams (2013) also state that proponents of a referendum believe that it can be used to solve political issues such presidential terms or changing systems of government.

This direct power is also useful because it makes the elected official have a sense of responsibility. Additionally, Williams (2013) observes that this function is helpful in ensuring that these officials do not abuse the powers bestowed unto them by the people. The recall function would also assist the citizens to replace those officials who are dormant.

References:

Donovan, T. (2014). Direct Democracy: Lessons from the United States. Political Insight, 5(3),

26-29.

Williams, B. (2013). Exploring Initiative and Referendum Law: Selected State Research Guides.

Routledge.