What is an initiative?

• A. A recall of elected officials
• B. A ballot measure placed on the ballot via citizen petition or rule by the legislature
• C. A referendum
• D. A parliamentary motion

Answer: (B)

An initiative is a ballot measure brought before voters to decide, usually started by citizens who circulate petitions to place a proposed law or constitutional amendment on the ballot, or sometimes placed there by the legislature itself. It’s a direct-democracy tool that empowers people to propose and vote on new laws or changes. This differs from a recall, which aims to remove an elected official; a referendum, which asks voters to approve or reject a law already enacted by the legislature; and a parliamentary motion, which is a formal proposal within a legislative body and not a public vote on a measure.