What is an initiative?

An initiative refers to a process by which citizens can propose legislation or constitutional amendments directly. This mechanism empowers the electorate to partake actively in the legislative process, bypassing traditional legislative bodies like the state legislatures or Congress when they wish to bring about change or address specific issues.

The initiative process typically requires a certain number of signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot, allowing citizens to vote directly on the proposed legislation or amendment. This democratic tool enhances public participation in governance and can reflect the will of the people on pertinent social issues.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of government function. For instance, Congress proposing legislation pertains to the legislative process but does not involve citizen participation in the same way. Similarly, judicial review by the Supreme Court is a judicial function that evaluates laws rather than creating them. Finally, a tool for the President to enact laws unilaterally speaks to executive power, which does not include direct citizen involvement. Overall, the initiative is a significant expression of grassroots democracy.