The power of initiative and referendum is available to those who what?

The power of initiative and referendum is available to individuals who petition with the required number of signatures. This process allows citizens to propose legislation (initiative) or to challenge existing laws (referendum) by gathering a specified number of signatures from registered voters. This mechanism is an essential aspect of direct democracy, enabling the electorate to have a significant say in the legislative process.

Gathering signatures ensures that there is a demonstrated level of public support for the proposed measure, which plays a critical role in determining whether the issue will be put to a vote. This requirement helps to filter out proposals that do not have a genuine base of support within the community.

While voting in the election, filing a formal complaint, or participating in town halls may be important civic activities, they do not empower individuals to directly propose or challenge laws in the way that petitioning does. Therefore, collecting the necessary signatures is the specific action that grants citizens the ability to initiate or refer issues for public consideration.