What is the Difference Between Initiative and Referendum?

The main difference between an initiative and a referendum lies in their origins and purposes:

• Initiative: This process allows citizens to propose new statutes or, in some states, constitutional amendments, and put them on the ballot or send them to the legislature. Initiatives start with the people, and citizens draft the proposal, petition to add it to the ballot, and vote on it. There are 26 states in the United States that provide for a statewide initiative process.
• Referendum: Also known as a veto referendum or citizen's veto, this process allows citizens to collect signatures to ask voters whether to uphold or repeal an enacted law. Referendums originate with the government, and the legislature submits legislation to the people for approval. Referendums are widespread in the US, appearing in all fifty states.

In summary, initiatives are citizen-driven proposals for new statutes or constitutional amendments, while referendums involve the legislature submitting enacted laws to the public for rejection or approval through a vote.

Comparative Table: Initiative vs Referendum

Here is a table comparing the differences between initiative and referendum:

In summary, an initiative is a process that allows citizens to propose new statutes or constitutional amendments and put them on the ballot or send them to the legislature, while a referendum is a process that allows voters to uphold or repeal a law that was passed by the legislature. Both processes are forms of direct democracy, but they differ in their origin and approach.