ABSTRACT
A study of political history in the United States will confirm that the drafters of our Constitution rejected the establishment of a “monarchy” as the form of our new government. The use of initiative and referendum remains an option in many states today, authorized either by state constitution or legislation, or both. The breadth of authority varies from state-to-state, but it may extend to creating or amending ordinances, and amending local charters. The use of initiative and referendum remains an option in many states today, authorized either by state constitution or legislation, or both. The breadth of authority varies from state-to-state, but it may extend at the local level to ordinances as well as charters. The use of this direct democracy format has not occurred without vigorous discussion on the merits of this added dimension stitched onto the fabric of governance. The use of referendum applies after the legislative body has passed a law.
