Legal Definitions - initiative

Definition: Initiative is a process in which a group of voters can propose a new law or changes to an existing law. This proposal is then put to a vote by the legislature or the entire electorate.

Initiative is a form of direct democracy that allows citizens to have a say in the laws that affect them. It is recognized in some state constitutions and is one of the few ways in which citizens can directly participate in the lawmaking process.

One example of an initiative is the legalization of marijuana in some states. In these states, citizens collected signatures to put the issue on the ballot. The electorate then voted on whether or not to legalize marijuana.

Another example is the minimum wage increase. In some states, citizens collected signatures to propose an increase in the minimum wage. The proposal was then put to a vote by the legislature or the electorate.

These examples illustrate how citizens can use the initiative process to propose and pass laws that they believe will benefit them and their communities.