CHAPTER sixteen
Federal, State, and Local Government

Take a Position



Direct democratic reforms began as a revolt against party machines, but they reflect something Americans find attractive: letting the people have more say in government. Indeed, this topic fits the themes of this textbook: power and citizenship in American politics. What else could provide citizens more power than allowing them to affect government without the interference of political elites? But are there down sides to initiatives, referenda, and recall elections?


Take a position: Are initiatives, referenda, and recall elections good for state politics and American democracy? Do they help Americans keep the republic, or do they undermine the republic by introducing too much direct democracy?


As you develop your argument, answer the following questions:

• Are initiatives, referenda, and recall elections excellent means for citizens to achieve their wishes, especially if elected officials do not act?
• Are citizens unable to handle the responsibilities of these direct democratic reforms? Do they require too much information for citizens?
• Why do only some states have initiatives, referenda, and recall elections? Are other states antidemocratic or are they smart?
• Do initiatives lead to bad law as critics argue? Are they primarily tools for special interests? Are people manipulated?