What are the differences between an initiative,a referendum, and a recall?

Question

im confused "/

Answer 1

Intiative is a movement by the public, through a petition, that forces a public vote on an issue, at the state or local level.

A referendum is usually used in a similar vein to deal with the overturn of an already enacted piece of legislation.

A recall is the public voting to remove an official from office.  It can only be done in certain states and not for a federal official (President, VP, or member of Congress).

Answer 2

An initiative provides a means by which a petition signed by a certain minimum number of registered voters can force a public vote on a proposed statute, constitutional amendment, charter amendment or ordinance, or, in its minimal form, to simply oblige the executive or legislative bodies to consider the subject by submitting it to the order of the day. It is a form of direct democracy. It has also been referred to as "minority initiative," thus relating it to minority influence [1]. Furthermore, it is, in itself, a politically neutral tool, despite its name which refers it to the "people." It can be used as well for conservative proposal as for progressive ends.

Referendum typically refers to a popular vote to overturn legislation already passed at the state or local levels. By contrast, "initiatives" and "legislative referrals" consist of newly drafted legislation submitted directly to a popular vote as an alternative to adoption by a legislature. Collectively, referenda and initiatives in the United States are commonly referred to as ballot measures, initiatives or propositions.

The minimum number of signatures and time limit to qualify a recall varies between states. In addition, the means of how recalls are handled once they qualify differ. In some states, a recall triggers a simultaneous special election, where the vote on the recall, as well as the replacement, should the recall succeed are on the same ballot.

Answer 3

In Arizona, at least, a referendum also refers to a constitutional amendment passed by the legislature since it still needs to be referred to the voters before it can be enacted.

Answer 4

Uhh..let's see..what was that big book my mom had? Oh yeah! She called it a DICTIONARY! Check one out for your answers.