What is the difference between initiative and referendum?
Types of referendum and initiative include: • Referendum – The legislature refers a piece of legislation to the people to either approve or reject it by vote. • Compulsory referendum – Typically new constitutions must be submitted to the people for approval before they are considered ratified. Some states also require that bond measures be approved by referendum. • Voluntary referendum – The legislature may, at their option, refer a piece of legislation to the people. • Popular referendum – The people may challenge a law recently passed by the legislature. If enough signatures are gathered, the law will be put to a vote by the people who may vote to nullify the law. • Initiative – Citizens draft a proposed law • Indirect initiative – Citizens draft a proposed law and present it to the legislature. The legislature may adopt it outright. Otherwise, the proposal goes on the ballot, sometimes with a counterproposal designed by the legislature. • Direct initiative – Citizens draft a propose
