In the United States citizens can petition Congress for legislation through representatives. Furthermore, in theory they (or anyone) can directly introduce propose a draft legislation also.
referendum
referendum
Voters elect representatives.
initiative
The recent legislation against late term abortions will likely face a challenge in court. The voters seemed unhappy that the state senator opposed his party's recent legislation.
Referendum
The initiative allowed reformers to bypass lawmakers by putting legislation directly before the voters
Voters. We elect the politicians who pass legislation.
The initiative allowed reformers to bypass lawmakers by putting legislation directly before the voters
Referendum
Recall elections
Referendum