 starter activity In 2008 the State of California held a special vote called a ‘Proposition’ on same-sex marriage. What do you feel about this issue? How would you vote as a class?

Does ‘direct democracy’ exist in the USA? Understand the difference between referendums, initiatives and recall elections and consider the pros and cons of the use of direct democracy in the US political context.  Aims

What are the advantages and disadvantages of ‘direct democracy’? Read Bennett p.110 and make a list.

 Your task States provide many opportunities for ‘direct democracy’ through the use of propositions, referendums and recall elections. Read Bennett, p and take notes on these different types of direct democracy States provide many opportunities for ‘direct democracy’ through the use of propositions, referendums and recall elections. Read Bennett, p and take notes on these different types of direct democracy

Proposition AKA ‘initiative’ AKA ‘initiative’ Citizens may suggest amendments to laws and even the constitution by putting them to a vote Citizens may suggest amendments to laws and even the constitution by putting them to a vote Possible in 24 states Possible in 24 states 2 types: direct & indirect (requiring approval by state legislature) 2 types: direct & indirect (requiring approval by state legislature) Require a threshold (usu. no less than 10% of voters) Require a threshold (usu. no less than 10% of voters) , 48% passed , 48% passed

Referendum Available in all 50 states Available in all 50 states Voters can veto bills passed by legislature Voters can veto bills passed by legislature Constitutional reform or changes in taxation Constitutional reform or changes in taxation Popular referendum,e.g. Alaska & Colorado, allows voters to petition for a ballot on new legislation Popular referendum,e.g. Alaska & Colorado, allows voters to petition for a ballot on new legislation Can lead to ‘buyer’s regret’ Can lead to ‘buyer’s regret’

Recall elections Remove elected official before end of their term of office Remove elected official before end of their term of office Form of impeachment by citizens Form of impeachment by citizens

Famous example of a recall election was when Arnold Schwarzenegger (above) replaced Governor Gray Davis of California. Can you think of an appropriate caption for this picture?

 Extension task Produce a factoid for the class giving examples of recent direct democracy in the USA. Include examples of Produce a factoid for the class giving examples of recent direct democracy in the USA. Include examples of Propositions Propositions Referendums Referendums Recalls Recalls

Which is more democratic the election of UK prime ministers or US presidents?

 Homework Use the information in Bennett, pp and pp as well as p. 97-, plus any other specific examples from your research to complete a table similar to the one below Use the information in Bennett, pp and pp as well as p. 97-, plus any other specific examples from your research to complete a table similar to the one below