Posted: September 19th, 2023

Initiatives and Referendums in Arizona

Initiatives and Referendums in Arizona

Paper instructions:
The initiative and the referendum are at the heart of direct democracy in Arizona. In a 5-7-minute Zoom presentation, discuss the initiative and referendum process in Arizona. In the presentation, you should do the following:

Provide the basic definitions of an initiative and a referendum.
Explain how initiatives and referendums are created
Compare and contrast an initiative and a referendum
Discuss the pros and cons of each
Explain how initiatives and referendums support the idea of direct democracy as outlined in the Arizona Constitution
Make sure to provide your instructor with the link to your Zoom presentation.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are not required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.

Rubric Criteria

Pros and Cons
20 points

Definitions
10 points

Presentation of Content
10 points

Compare and Contrast
20 points

Video Presentation Mechanics
5 points

Initiatives, Referendums, and Direct Democracy
20 points

Creation
15 points

Total
100 points
Direct democracy is a core principle in the state’s constitution, so understanding these processes is essential. Let me begin by providing definitions and an overview, then discuss the creation process and compare/contrast initiatives and referendums. I’ll also address the pros and cons of each, and how they support direct democracy as outlined in the constitution. At the end I will share the link to my Zoom presentation.
To begin, an initiative is “a process that permits citizens to propose legislation and constitutional amendments by petition and vote them into law” (Initiative and Referendum Institute). Essentially, citizens can draft a proposed statute or constitutional amendment, collect signatures to qualify it for the ballot, and then voters decide whether to approve or reject it.
A referendum, on the other hand, is “the procedure by which a measure passed by the legislature is submitted to the voters for approval or rejection before taking effect” (Initiative and Referendum Institute). In other words, citizens can petition to challenge a newly enacted law by putting it to a popular vote.
In Arizona, initiatives and referendums are created through a petition process. Proponents first draft the text and title, then circulate petitions to collect signatures from registered voters equal to 10% of the votes cast in the last election for governor (Arizona Secretary of State). For initiatives, signatures must be submitted at least four months before the next general election to qualify for that ballot (Arizona Secretary of State).
Some key differences between initiatives and referendums include their scope – initiatives can enact new statutes or constitutional amendments while referendums can only challenge existing laws. Initiatives also have broader application as they can address any policy issue, whereas referendums are limited to repealing legislation (Initiative and Referendum Institute).
Both tools provide advantages and disadvantages. Proponents argue they give citizens a direct voice in lawmaking and challenge to unpopular policies. Critics counter that they can be used to circumvent the traditional legislative process and promote single-issue politics (Matsusaka). Overall, initiatives and referendums strengthen Arizona’s foundation as a direct democracy by empowering voters on par with their elected representatives.
I hope this overview provides a helpful foundation for my upcoming Zoom presentation. Please let me know if you need any additional details as you review the rubric and criteria. I’m happy to discuss further and look forward to sharing the presentation link once it’s completed.
Matsusaka, John G. “Direct Democracy Works.” The Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 19, no. 2, 2005, pp. 185–206. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4133168. Accessed 23 Sept. 2023.
“Initiative and Referendum Institute.” Ballotpedia, Ballotpedia, https://ballotpedia.org/Initiative_and_referendum_institute. Accessed 23 Sept. 2023.
“Initiative, Referendum and Recall.” Arizona Secretary of State, https://azsos.gov/elections/initiative-referendum-and-recall. Accessed 23 Sept. 2023.

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