popular initiative
Loading your saved state.
popular initiative
An instrument of direct democracy in which citizens can force a vote (a referendum) on a draft law by collecting a certain number of signatures.
Mit einem Volksbegehren soll erreicht werden, dass die Studiengebühren wieder abgeschafft werden.
The aim of a popular initiative is to have tuition fees abolished again.
The word is made up of 'Volk' (people, citizens) and 'Begehren' (a strong wish or demand). So it literally describes a 'demand by the people'.
Das Begehren der Bürger nach mehr Grünflächen wurde erhört.
The citizens' demand for more green spaces was heard.
In a political context, a popular initiative is typically 'gestartet' (launched), 'initiiert' (initiated), 'unterstützt' (supported), or 'unterschrieben' (signed). These verbs describe the different phases of the process.
Eine Bürgerinitiative hat ein Volksbegehren für bessere Radwege gestartet.
A citizens' initiative launched a popular initiative for better bike paths.
A popular initiative is the first step in a direct-democracy procedure. If it is successful, the second step usually follows: the 'Volksentscheid' (referendum), in which all citizens vote on the law.
Das erfolgreiche Volksbegehren führte zu einem Volksentscheid über das Rauchverbot.
The successful popular initiative led to a referendum on the smoking ban.
petition
'die Petition' and 'das Volksbegehren' both have to do with signatures and political demands. A petition is a written request or demand addressed to an authority, a parliament, or another public body. It can support a cause, but it does not automatically lead to a vote. A 'Volksbegehren' is a fixed step in direct democracy. If enough citizens sign, it can lead to a referendum on a draft law. Learners may confuse the words because signatures are collected in both cases. In practical terms: a petition requests or demands something; a 'Volksbegehren' is a legally regulated political procedure.
Das Volksbegehren soll erreichen, dass die Bürger über das neue Gesetz abstimmen können.
The popular initiative is intended to make it possible for citizens to vote on the new law.
Viele Eltern unterschreiben eine Petition für einen sicheren Schulweg.
Many parents are signing a petition for a safer route to school.