National referendums: why don't they exist here in the United States?

[brentspeak]

Some states have provisions to allow referendums, but the federal government doesn't.

What would it take to allow for national referendums - an amendment to the Constitution, or maybe just a new federal law?

[Laelth]

1. They have proven to be a disaster in California, fwiw. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[truedelphi]

4. They really have proven disastrous.

You have to know ahead of time whether your voting yes to a ballot measure means a "Yes," or a "No" for that issue, or a maybe or a yes to a no to a maybe!

And how many of them are there are on the ballot on any election day? Sometimes eight or so!!

[anigbrowl]

11. Oh noes, you mean we're supposed to *read* that voter information booklet?

Actually, I'm strongly in favor of referenda. But it's become apparent that many people simply aren't willing to put in the work required, and instead vote as they're told, regardless of political affiliation. It's depressing.

[truedelphi]

13. Well,people reading the booklet is a start. And one that I try to employ

For myself.

But the other thing is, these corporations are smart enough to put together entire "Coalitions" with great sounding names.

So that if you read the booklet, you might also need a booklet for the booklet to know whether the "Coalition for Safe Waters for Fish" is industry-sponsored or a real environmental organization. Then with many of the "REAL" organizations getting bought out the way that the Sierra Club was on MTBE, it becomes more difficult - howmuch time does any individual have for the factors lying beyond the "Who is really for what" factors?

[anigbrowl]

14. Well, citizenship takes work

but realistically, between the booklet and the research, I think that only amounts to about 1 day per year. On the other hand, I suppose I have it easy insofar as I'm well-educated and well-informed enough for the reading and research to be pretty easy. That's not the case for a lot of other people, though no fault of their own.

[Laelth]

12. They allow special interest groups to circumvent the legislature.

Prop. 8, anyone?

:dem:

-Laelth

[Skinner]

2. I'm not a big fan of referendums.

The budget mess in California, and Prop 8, are two examples of what you get from referendums.

I think it would be a huge mistake to go national.

[Zynx]

3. Thank God for that.

Look at California and tell me that is a good idea.

[leeroysphitz]

5. Referendums are just to "Choicey" for us.

[madville]

6. People are way too selfish

Everyone would be voting for no taxes right along with increased government spending at the same time. Everyone wants "free" stuff as long as it doesn't hit their pocketbook or wallet. The only group worse at governing than modern politicians would be the people armed with a 51 percent majority vote.

I do think it would be the only way we could ever see term limits for congress though.

[damntexdem]

7. Because we're states that aren't really united.

Although far more so than in the past, individual states are still important; and they decide whether or not to allow their own referenda.

[ContinentalOp]

8. I think it's a great idea. I'm sure there wouldn't be any problems.

Because clearly CA's problems are solely due to the stupidity of CA voters as I've learned time and again on DU. If the idea were tried nationwide I'm sure the outcome would be just fine.

One problem though is that if it were a straight national vote, the most populous states and urban areas would actually get a 1:1 representation. Can't have that. We have to protect the voice of real America by insuring that their votes continue to count more than those of a Californian.

[DevonRex]

9. No way in HELL should we have them. nt

[SidneyCarton]

10. because it would be a disaster.

[scheming daemons]

15. Interesting that you're for referendums, but have a picture of Jefferson as your avatar

Jefferson, as one of the founding fathers, gave us a Representative Republic for a reason.

Referendums are the SUREST way to get "tyranny of the majority".

Imagine a nationwide version of Prop 8. There wouldn't currently be 7 states allowing gay marriage and others in the works.

Imagine nationwide referendums that would've passed during the months following 9/11. The 4th amendment would be gone completely, instead of merely hanging on by a thread.


California is broke because of referendums.


Dumbest. Idea. Ever.

[TankLV]

16. We can't even count the votes in the REGULAR elections and you want REFERENDA?!!!

wassamatta - you a glutton for punishment or somethin?