Are the number of ballot issues this year indicative of a lack of faith in government?

Question

There will be more ballot initiatives this year, than any other non presidential election year. States are putting issues up for the voters, and not the legislators. Is this a sign that people don't have faith in their legislature? Are states trying to reclaim a 'democracy'? How do you feel about that?

Answer 1

Yes! It has become painfully obvious that judges, legislatures and presidents / governors will not support our rights, freedoms or liberties if there is a politically expedient issue.

We no longer believe that they are performing adequate checks and balances - they allow judicial tyranny, they allow unConstitutional laws and spending, they ignore violations of the Bill of Rights. They do this in VIOLATION of their oaths of office, to be sure.

One is hopeful that an originalist / conservative majority on the Supreme Court could fight against these infringements, and protect our freedoms and rights from the predations of government.

Otherwise, our future does not look hopeful.

Answer 2

I believe initiatives are begun (initiated) by petition of the voters. It's a sign that the voters themselves want to change certain things. Other ballot proposals may be required by statute, such as voting on property tax increases.

I'm not sure how a state would put "issues up for the voters, and not the legislators" Can you explain this?

Answer 3

In my state, Arizona, they are indicative of insurance and tobacco companies spending tens of millions of dollars getting their own agendas onto the ballots and then mass advertising.

Answer 4

Left out. We have none.

Of course, I'm a suburbanite, so I don't even get to vote on Propositions. (Personal rant).

Answer 5

I beleive so,

You may want to check this out:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Asre4ILS9mtvQqkVXYMNSW_sy6IX?qid=20061013083334AABvigJ

Answer 6

I'm all sticky :-(