Polity Atlas
Glossary term

Initiative and referendum

Also: direct legislationЧитать на русском

Tools of direct legislation: voters propose laws or constitutional changes by petition (initiative) and approve or reject measures at the ballot (referendum).

In more detail

In Switzerland the optional referendum dates from 1874 and the popular initiative from 1891; constitutional changes require a mandatory referendum. In Oregon, initiatives reach the ballot by petition, and since 2010 a Citizens' Initiative Review panel can evaluate them.