Explain How Democratic In Practice, Initiatives Are In Making Public Policy

Evaluate how democratic in practice, initiatives and referendums are in making public policy. (30 marks)

Initiatives and referendums are forms of direct democracy used by a majority of states in the United States. Direct democracy is a system, by which political decisions are made by the voting people rather than elected representatives. Throughout the US the involvement of the electorate varies, in states such as Alaska and Colorado referendums and initiatives are fundamental tools in policy making. Initiatives are a process in which citizens must obtain a specific number of signatures required for that state, in order to place there proposed policies or constitutional amendments on the ballot for the voters to approve or reject. Similarly,
Contrary to this, referendums are ‘top down’ as the representatives still have the final say. It is argued that initiatives and referendums involve the general public as they are part of the decision making process which encourages direct democracy. This can be challenged, as the voter turnout if often below 50%. Therefore, the referendum or initiative is not truly representative of the public opinion. This could indicate that the result is lacking legitimacy and thus, not democratic in practice. Furthermore, the low turnout demonstrates initiatives and referendums are more democratic in theory than in practice, an example for this is the vote on proposition 8, the elimination of same sex marriages in the state of California. The proposition passed, with 52% voting for the band and 48% against the ban. Theoretically, this process is democratic however, the voter turnout was below 70% and the margin between the majority and minority was no more than 4%. Therefore, not a true majority vote and does not represent the view of the nation. As a result individual rights and civil liberties were taken so; initiatives are not democratic in