What are some of the perceived problems with today's initiative process? What remedies have been suggested to address them?
What will be an ideal response?
Opinions abound over whether and how to reform the initiative process, and there is considerable speculation over how effective those reforms may be. These issues are catalogued in Box. 3.1, but some of them include: (1) Paid signature-gatherers are needed to meet signature requirements (remedy: give people more time to collect signatures). (2) Big money dominates the process (remedy: limit campaign donations; better disclosure of donor information needed). (3) Ballot measures are confusing and complex (remedy: make more information accessible and available online). (4) There are too many initiatives (remedy: allow the legislature to review or act on initiatives first; give courts a bigger role). (5) Initiatives are too difficult to revise once passed (remedy: allow the legislature to amend them after passage). (6) The state constitution contains overlapping and redundant measures because of the initiative process (remedy: require a revision process). (7) Too many initiatives are declared unconstitutional (require the legislature to review; involve judges who can evaluate their constitutionality; allow authors to withdraw measures).
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The ____________________ is the final interpreter of all matters involving the Constitution
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Which of the following statements best describes a vote of confidence?
A. A new government must pass a vote (on the cabinet’s composition and proposed policies) in the legislature before it can take office. B. A government declares that a vote on a particular piece of legislation is also a vote of support for the government itself; if the legislators do not support the legislation, then the government will resign (and new elections might result). C. A group of legislators propose a vote on the support of the incumbent government. If the government passes the vote, then it stays in office. If it fails the vote, then it must resign (and new elections might result). D. A new government must pass a vote, but it does not reflect whether there is support for the government or not
Compare and contrast early- and late-forming states
What will be an ideal response?
Entitlement spending accounts for what percent of federal spending?
a. 40 percent c. 50 percent b. 60 percent d. 70 percent