The Initiative Citizen LawMaking Author:Joseph F. Zimmerman The Initiative is a device that allows voters to propose and ratify constitutional amendments, city charter amendments, statutes, and ordinances. The Initiative is a citizen solution to the problem of unrepresentative legislative bodies that are more responsive to special interests than to the voters. Although the use of the Initiative has been ... more »subjected to strong criticism--deservingly so in California--the device generally has not been overused and has been effective when employed.« less