Direct democracy in the US – Work effectively?
Yes:
1. Ballot initiatives allow citizens to propose new legislation and engage in politics
In some states, citizens can use ballot initiatives to directly propose and vote on new
laws or changes to existing laws
e.g In 2020, voters in California approved Proposition 22, which exempted
companies like Uber from a state law that would require them to classify their
workers as employees rather than independent contractors.
e.g In 2018, voters in Michigan approved Proposal 1, which legalized the recreational
use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21
2. Referendums allow state-level change
Referendums allow citizens to vote directly on specific issues, such as proposed
changes to the state constitution or major policy decisions. Requirements to trigger a
referendum vary by state.
e.g In 2016, voters in Maine approved a referendum to implement ranked choice
voting for statewide elections, making it the first state to adopt the system.
e.g In 2012, voters in Maryland approved a referendum to legalize same-sex
marriage, becoming one of the first states to do so through a popular vote.
3. Recall Elections allow citizens to easily remove
Recall elections allow citizens to petition for the removal of an elected official before
their term is up, and then vote on whether to remove them from office.
e.g In 2021, voters in California held a recall election for Governor Gavin Newsom,
with voters ultimately choosing to keep him in office.
e.g In 2003, voters in California held a recall election for Governor Gray Davis,
ultimately resulting in his removal from office and the election of Arnold
Schwarzenegger as his replacement.
Although, this can’t be used for members of the House or Senate, as this reliant on a
2/3 vote in the relevant house, which is unlikely due to hyper-partisanship
No:
1. Voters lack expertise
Direct democracy can lead to decisions being made by people who may not have the
necessary expertise or knowledge to make informed decisions. This can result in
policies that are not well thought out or may have unintended consequences.
e.g In 2012, California voters were asked to vote on Proposition 37, which would
have required labelling GM food. Despite receiving widespread support from
consumers, many scientists and experts argued it was unnecessary and would have led
to confusion among consumers.
e.g In 2017, Colorado voters were asked to vote on Amendment 69, which would
have created a single-payer healthcare system in the state. This proposal involved
, complex legal, financial, and policy issues, which may have been difficult for many
voters to fully understand.
2. Tyranny of majority
Direct democracy can lead to the majority imposing their will on minority groups,
potentially discriminating against minority groups.
e.g In 2008, California voters were asked to vote on Proposition 8, which banned
same-sex marriage in the state. While the measure was supported by a majority of
voters, it was seen as a violation of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and was
ultimately struck down by the courts.
e.g In 1992, Colorado voters were asked to vote on Amendment 2, which prohibited
the state and local governments from passing laws that protected people from
discrimination based on sexual orientation. While the measure was supported by a
majority of voters, it was seen as discriminatory and was ultimately struck down by
the courts.
3. Low voter turnout
Low turnout implies ineffective direct democracy when direct changes are not even
being voted on by a large percentage of voters
e.g In 2018, voters in Michigan approved Proposal 1, which legalized the recreational
use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. However, turnout was only 55%.
e.g In 2021, voters in California held a recall election for Governor Gavin Newsom,
with voters ultimately choosing to keep him in office. Turnout was only 58%.
Yes:
1. Ballot initiatives allow citizens to propose new legislation and engage in politics
In some states, citizens can use ballot initiatives to directly propose and vote on new
laws or changes to existing laws
e.g In 2020, voters in California approved Proposition 22, which exempted
companies like Uber from a state law that would require them to classify their
workers as employees rather than independent contractors.
e.g In 2018, voters in Michigan approved Proposal 1, which legalized the recreational
use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21
2. Referendums allow state-level change
Referendums allow citizens to vote directly on specific issues, such as proposed
changes to the state constitution or major policy decisions. Requirements to trigger a
referendum vary by state.
e.g In 2016, voters in Maine approved a referendum to implement ranked choice
voting for statewide elections, making it the first state to adopt the system.
e.g In 2012, voters in Maryland approved a referendum to legalize same-sex
marriage, becoming one of the first states to do so through a popular vote.
3. Recall Elections allow citizens to easily remove
Recall elections allow citizens to petition for the removal of an elected official before
their term is up, and then vote on whether to remove them from office.
e.g In 2021, voters in California held a recall election for Governor Gavin Newsom,
with voters ultimately choosing to keep him in office.
e.g In 2003, voters in California held a recall election for Governor Gray Davis,
ultimately resulting in his removal from office and the election of Arnold
Schwarzenegger as his replacement.
Although, this can’t be used for members of the House or Senate, as this reliant on a
2/3 vote in the relevant house, which is unlikely due to hyper-partisanship
No:
1. Voters lack expertise
Direct democracy can lead to decisions being made by people who may not have the
necessary expertise or knowledge to make informed decisions. This can result in
policies that are not well thought out or may have unintended consequences.
e.g In 2012, California voters were asked to vote on Proposition 37, which would
have required labelling GM food. Despite receiving widespread support from
consumers, many scientists and experts argued it was unnecessary and would have led
to confusion among consumers.
e.g In 2017, Colorado voters were asked to vote on Amendment 69, which would
have created a single-payer healthcare system in the state. This proposal involved
, complex legal, financial, and policy issues, which may have been difficult for many
voters to fully understand.
2. Tyranny of majority
Direct democracy can lead to the majority imposing their will on minority groups,
potentially discriminating against minority groups.
e.g In 2008, California voters were asked to vote on Proposition 8, which banned
same-sex marriage in the state. While the measure was supported by a majority of
voters, it was seen as a violation of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and was
ultimately struck down by the courts.
e.g In 1992, Colorado voters were asked to vote on Amendment 2, which prohibited
the state and local governments from passing laws that protected people from
discrimination based on sexual orientation. While the measure was supported by a
majority of voters, it was seen as discriminatory and was ultimately struck down by
the courts.
3. Low voter turnout
Low turnout implies ineffective direct democracy when direct changes are not even
being voted on by a large percentage of voters
e.g In 2018, voters in Michigan approved Proposal 1, which legalized the recreational
use of marijuana for adults over the age of 21. However, turnout was only 55%.
e.g In 2021, voters in California held a recall election for Governor Gavin Newsom,
with voters ultimately choosing to keep him in office. Turnout was only 58%.
