United States Referendums by country

citizens rallying in support of california proposition 8 in city of fresno.

in united states, term referendum typically refers popular vote originated petition overturn legislation passed @ state or local levels (mainly in western united states). in industrial cities , regions, refers internal, union organization in terms of electing delegates or approving collective bargaining agreement. contrast, initiatives , legislative referrals consist of newly drafted legislation submitted directly popular vote alternative adoption legislature. collectively, referendums , initiatives in united states commonly referred ballot measures, initiatives, or propositions.

there no provision holding of referendums @ federal level in united states, constitution not provide for. constitutional amendment required allow it. however, constitutions of 24 states (principally in west, in eastern states massachusetts) , many local , city governments provide referendums , citizen s initiatives. such state-level referendums, example, have resulted in limitation of property taxes california s proposition 13 , massachusetts proposition 2½ in late 20th century.

however, constitutional convention can called two-thirds of legislatures of states, , convention empowered propose 1 or more amendments constitution. these amendments sent states approved three-fourths of legislatures or conventions. route has never been taken, , there discussion in political science circles how such convention convened, , kind of changes bring about.