Target: Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senate Majority Leader
Goal: Propose Constitutional amendment that would allow Americans to vote in national referendums.
Voters in Ohio just had the opportunity to enshrine reproductive rights into their state constitution, which they did in resounding numbers. Every political season, citizens of some states and localities get the most direct say in the shaping of laws via referendums (also known as propositions and ballot measures). These processes put key legislative proposals to a popular vote, thereby cutting off the efforts of extremist politicians to enact deeply unpopular laws. Referendums can and have covered a wide range of issues, including voting procedures, marijuana legalization, gun control, and healthcare expansion.
While every state offers some form of referendums, the scope and implementation of these measures differs greatly. And despite centuries of support, no chances for referendums currently exist at the national level. The proposed National Initiative for Democracy constitutional amendment would change the current landscape by allowing federal popular vote referendums. Any referendum placed on a ballot would have to meet qualification standards and follow specified guidelines.
Sign the petition below to support an effort that would help restore balance of power to the people.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Senator Schumer,
Key historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson and James Madison advocated for referendums. The latter stated that “as the people are the only legitimate fountain of power, and it is from them that the constitutional charter, under which the several branches of government hold their power, is derived, it seems strictly consonant to the republican theory to recur to the same original authority … whenever it may be necessary to enlarge, diminish, or new model the powers of government.” While referendums and ballot measures have made an impact at the local and state level over the ensuing decades and centuries, the full promise of these initiatives has never been realized at the national level.
The National Initiative for Democracy would rectify this oversight by giving back to the people checks and balances while preserving representative government. Too often, legislators use and abuse their power to enact unpopular laws and dictates against the will of the people. Strictly moderated and implemented referendums can stop these anti-democratic efforts in their tracks. The proposed National Initiative is a potential amendment that has put together a strong set of standards for making this process work.
Please explore this proposal and advocate for the purest form of direct democracy/decree and people’s sovereignty that gives every American a voice.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Drew Anderson
