Short Answer 
A legislative referendum involves a legislature passing a bill that must be approved by voters through a public vote. To initiate this process, a specific number of signatures must be collected in support of the proposal, which is then placed on the ballot for voter decision, allowing citizens to directly influence laws.
Step 1: Understanding Legislative Referendums
A legislative referendum is a process where a legislature passes a bill that requires the approval of voters. This means that after the legislature has created a new law or amendment, it must be presented to the public for a vote to validate the decision made by their representatives.
Step 2: Collecting Signatures
To initiate a legislative referendum, the government often needs to gather a specific number of signatures from the public. This is typically done through a petition process, which ensures that there is significant public support for the proposed change. The collection process usually involves:
- Setting a signature goal based on voter registration numbers.
- Determining a time frame for gathering signatures.
- Ensuring that all collected signatures meet legal requirements.
Step 3: Voting on the Proposal
Once the required signatures are collected, the proposed legislation or amendment will be placed on the ballot for voters to decide. This voting process allows citizens to directly influence laws that affect them, essentially making them active participants in democracy. The outcome will determine whether the initial proposal is upheld or rejected, influencing future statutes or constitutional amendments.