Advantages Of Direct Democracy

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Direct democracy gives people “control over both the legislative and executive branches,” though they can be exploited by special interest groups to propose ideas with money and influence (Anagnoson, 26). The following features of direct democracy – initiatives, referenda, and recalls – function to exemplify the ideals of the people and regulate the state government. Direct democracy can be used unjustly by special interest groups, through manipulation and deception to persuade supporters to sign off their initiatives. Initiatives is a method of giving the people a voice, allowing them to potentially pass laws without going through legislature. However, it does not take a lot of effort for special interest groups to gather enough supporters for their initiatives…show more content…
For example, Proposition 14 (1964) was an initiative that negated the Rumford Fair Housing Act, resulting in the legalization of discrimination, allowing retailers and landlords to choose who they can rent homes and property to (Anagnoson, 34). This initiative had little support from the public, yet it was still passed. Moreover, as stated in the lecture, initiatives can also be given vague details to increase voter turnout (Garretson). This could be used as a tool by the campaign managers and signature gatherers to persuade proponents that their measure is a means to do one thing, but leaving out the details that could dissuade potential supporters; only telling people what they want to hear. Nevertheless, initiatives can be used as a tool for special interest groups to change the outcome of public policies and the political process. As for the opposing views of direct democracy, it is a way of correcting the behaviors and decision making of public officials. Although initiatives can be used unjustly by special interest groups, as stated in the lecture, other groups such as social movement

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