Political Theory

Re: Citizen Initiative and Referendum Laws?

Mark B. — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:20:28 GMT

I would support statewide referendum solely for the use of negating acts of the legislature.

Re: Citizen Initiative and Referendum Laws?

JAlanKatz — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:44:01 GMT

I'm not sure if this is a misuse of terminology, but I'd support an initiative that could only repeal laws. Meaning, no new laws can be introduced by initiative, but by a simple majority vote any existing law can be repealed.

Re: Citizen Initiative and Referendum Laws?

Mark B. — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:28:26 GMT

In so much as they are a move in the direction of direct democracy, they are a bad thing. I live in Florida, which does not have referendum for laws, but does have it for constitutional matters. Among the things you will find in the Florida Constitution is a ban on brooding cages for swine. I reiterate, initiative and referendum are not good things, EXCEPT in local matters where referendum is solely used to negate acts of the government.

Citizen Initiative and Referendum Laws?

kingmonkey — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:12:54 GMT

What are your views on citizen Initiative and Referendum laws? Are they a good thing or a bad thing? I've been wrestling with this idea for some time and tend to think that they are a good thing. What do y'all think?