Initiative in California
Legislative Meaning of Initiative
A method of legislating that requires a vote of the people instead of a vote of the Legislature for a measure to become law. To qualify for a statewide ballot, statutory initiatives must receive signatures equal to 5 percent, and constitutional amendment initiatives must receive signatures equal to 8 percent, of the voters for all candidates for Governor at the last gubernatorial election. See more about California legislative definitions (including Initiative ).
Definition of Initiative in the Election Process
Often called “direct democracy”, the initiative is the power of the people to place measures on the ballot. These measures can include proposals to create or change statutes, amendments to the Constitution or general obligation bonds. In order for an initiative that sets or changes state law to qualify to appear on the ballot, petitions must be turned in that have signatures of registered voters equal in number to 5% of the votes cast for all candidates for Governor in the last election. An initiative amending the State Constitution requires signatures equaling 8% of the gubernatorial vote. Again, the statewide vote to enact an initiative only requires a simple majority vote.
Initiative and Referendum in California: General Overview
This entry offers readers with practical insight to the subject of initiative and referendum in California, a general introduction to the legal issues relating to initiative and referendum under California law and practice.
Resources
More information about the California State Legislature
- California Law Revision Commission
- California Bureau of State Audits
- California Codes
- Legislative Calendar
- California Constitution
See Also
Initiative and the Legislative Process
A method of lawmaking that requires a vote of the people instead of a vote of the Legislature in order for a measure to become law. To qualify for a statewide ballot, statutory initiatives must receive signatures of voters equal to 5% of the votes cast for all candidates for Governor at the last gubernatorial election. Constitutional amendment initiatives must receive signatures equal to 8% of the same number of votes.
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See Also
- Legislative Power
- Legislative Branch
- Legislation
- Executive Branch
- Legislative Function
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