What does the initiative process allow citizens to do?

The initiative process empowers citizens to propose and enact new laws or amendments directly. This mechanism facilitates grassroots participation in the legislative process, allowing individuals or groups to gather sufficient signatures to qualify their proposed legislation for a public vote. By doing this, citizens can bypass traditional legislative channels, enabling them to address specific issues or enact changes they believe are necessary for their community or state, thus enhancing democratic engagement and accountability.

This process contrasts with other options, such as voting directly on representatives, which relates to electing officials rather than influencing legislation directly. Similarly, while citizens can decide on referendums passed by the legislature, this action does not encompass the proactive nature of initiating proposals for new laws or amendments. Lastly, organizing public meetings is more about discussing issues or concerns rather than the formal legislative action represented by the initiative process.