Which process enables citizens to propose new laws by collecting signatures?

Which process enables citizens to propose new laws by collecting signatures?

• A. Initiative
• B. Referendum
• C. Recall
• D. Enabling Act

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the initiative. It’s a way for citizens to start the process of making a new law by collecting signatures to place a proposal on the ballot. When enough qualified voters sign, the measure goes to voters in an election, and a majority can approve or reject the proposal. This is direct democracy, letting people push a law onto the ballot without waiting for the legislature. In contrast, a referendum asks voters to approve or reject a law that the legislature has already passed, a recall is about removing an elected official from office, and an Enabling Act is a historical step by which a territory is allowed to draft a constitution to become a state — not a method for proposing new laws by citizen petition.

The main idea here is the initiative. It’s a way for citizens to start the process of making a new law by collecting signatures to place a proposal on the ballot. When enough qualified voters sign, the measure goes to voters in an election, and a majority can approve or reject the proposal. This is direct democracy, letting people push a law onto the ballot without waiting for the legislature.

In contrast, a referendum asks voters to approve or reject a law that the legislature has already passed, a recall is about removing an elected official from office, and an Enabling Act is a historical step by which a territory is allowed to draft a constitution to become a state — not a method for proposing new laws by citizen petition.