In*i"ti*a*tive (?), n. (Political
Science) The right or procedure by which legislation may be
introduced or enacted directly by the people, as in the Swiss
Confederation and in many of the States of the United States; --
chiefly used with the. The procedure of the initiative is
essentially as follows: Upon the filing of a petition signed by a
required number or percentage of qualified voters the desired measure
must be submitted to a popular vote, and upon receiving the required
majority (commonly a majority of those voting on the measure
submitted) it becomes a law. In some States of the United States the
initiative is only local; in others it is state-wide and includes the
making of constitutional amendments.
In*i"ti*a*tive (?), a. [Cf. F.
initiatif.] Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory;
introductory; preliminary.
In*i"ti*a*tive, n. [Cf. F.
initiative.]
1. An introductory step or movement; an act
which originates or begins.
The undeveloped initiatives of good things to
come.
I. Taylor.
2. The right or power to introduce a new
measure or course of action, as in legislation; as, the
initiative in respect to revenue bills is in the House of
Representatives.
In*i"ti*a*tive (?), n. (Political
Science) The right or procedure by which legislation may be
introduced or enacted directly by the people, as in the Swiss
Confederation and in many of the States of the United States; --
chiefly used with the. The procedure of the initiative is
essentially as follows: Upon the filing of a petition signed by a
required number or percentage of qualified voters the desired measure
must be submitted to a popular vote, and upon receiving the required
majority (commonly a majority of those voting on the measure
submitted) it becomes a law. In some States of the United States the
initiative is only local; in others it is state-wide and includes the
making of constitutional amendments.
