ABSTRACT
Proposition 13, the Jarvis-Gann initiative passed in 1978 limiting property taxes, brought nationwide attention to the importance of the petition process for direct democracy in California. Under this procedure the people themselves make their own laws rather than relying solely on legislative bodies for the formulation of public policy. Furthermore, by means of the recall petition voters may remove from office any elected official before the expiration of the term. For over 90 years Californians have been making major governmental decisions at almost every election.
