popular initiative
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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.
referendum
Both words are connected with a legislative process initiated by citizens. The „Volksbegehren“ mainly refers to collecting the necessary signatures, while the „Volksentscheid“ is the subsequent direct vote on the draft law or a political issue. Use „Volksbegehren“ for the preparation and „Volksentscheid“ for the vote.
Für das Volksbegehren sammelten die Bürger mehrere Wochen lang Unterschriften.
The citizens collected signatures for the popular initiative for several weeks.
Beim Volksentscheid stimmten die Bürger direkt über den Gesetzesentwurf ab.
In the referendum, the citizens voted directly on the draft law.
