noun
initiative
A process allowing voters to propose laws for a public vote.
Voters sign the initiative petition to place a proposal on the ballot.
Etymology
Initiative concerns making a beginning or taking the first step. The political process gives voters the power to begin legislation by placing a proposal before the electorate.
More examples
- The initiative qualified for a public vote.
- Several initiatives appeared on the ballot.
- They studied the state's initiative process.
Forms
initiative · initiatives
Similar words
- referendum
- A referendum is the public vote itself rather than the citizen proposal process.
- petition
- A petition requests action and need not place a law on a ballot.