Initiative Question

California, Colorado and other states that use initiatives and referendums should not be abolished. Although the outcome may not always be a success, and the issues are not always important nor relevant, it brings a positive aspect to the lives of the people living in the United States. The use of initiatives is done directly through the people. And while doing so, allow citizens to voice their opinions and also allow them to make a choice. As a result, it gets more people involved in the democratic process.

The chance to voice their opinions and thoughts are given to the people through the use of initiatives. According to our book, a direct democracy "is expected to produce both better citizens and better policies." Most citizens feel like they have a say through the initiatives and referendums. Subsequently, more people go to the polls to vote. They can affect the outcomes of certain elections as well, like the initiative used on the Ohio ballot in 2004. Although it did not increase significantly, the voter turnout for states with initiatives was three to five points higher than states without, according to the article we read "Ballot Measures Preview 2008." The use of initiatives and referendum gives the citizens of the United States the opportunity to make a choice and to express their opinions, and when given something so significant it should not be taken away.