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To read the Inaugural Address of Governor Hiram Johnson,
presented January 3, 1911, Click here

INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM, AND RECALL. Taken together, they are called the politics of direct action. They are means by which the people may bring their will to bear directly on the legislative process and the machinery of government.

If the people are dissatisfied with and want to change the actions of government, or if the government wants to get public approval for a given policy, these three devices are available. Initiative is a legislative proposal that originates with the people. Recall, the device by which voters may remove public officials from office, also originates with the people. Referendum is a measure submitted to the people for their approval; these are put on the ballot by the people or by the governing body.

All three have in common the fact that, at some point or other, the people vote on them; and in most cases, the vote of the people is final.