Direct Democracy

Referendum: A general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision.

Initiative: A process that enables citizens to bypass their state legislature by placing proposed statutes and, in some states, constitutional amendments on the ballot.

Town Meeting: A form of direct democratic rule used primarily in parts of the United States – principally in New England – since the 17th century, where most or all members of a community come together to legislate policy and budgets for local government.