popular initiative
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popular initiative
An instrument of direct democracy that enables a certain number of citizens to bring a draft law or another issue before a parliament, which then has to deal with it.
Mit einer Volksinitiative soll der Bau von neuen Windrädern in Naturschutzgebieten verhindert werden.
A popular initiative is intended to prevent the construction of new wind turbines in nature reserves.
The word is composed of 'das Volk' (the people) and 'die Initiative' (the initiative). The 's' between them is a linking element that connects the two parts. The literal meaning is: an initiative that comes from the people.
Die neue Volksinitiative fordert mehr Geld für Schulen und Kindergärten.
The new popular initiative is calling for more money for schools and kindergartens.
Certain verbs are often used in connection with a popular initiative. You can 'start', 'submit', 'support', or 'sign' a Volksinitiative (popular initiative).
Um die Volksinitiative zu starten, benötigen sie 20.000 Unterschriften.
To start the popular initiative, they need 20,000 signatures.
This word is a technical term from the field of politics and law. It describes a specific tool of direct democracy that allows citizens to participate in the political process.
Im Politikunterricht lernten wir über die Funktionsweise einer Volksinitiative.
In politics class, we learned about how a popular initiative works.
citizens' initiative
Both a Bürgerinitiative and a Volksinitiative enable citizens to exert political influence together. A Bürgerinitiative is usually a voluntary, often local association, whereas a Volksinitiative is a formal direct-democratic procedure that brings an issue or draft law before a parliament. Volksinitiative is appropriate for the procedure, while Bürgerinitiative refers more to the group.
Mit der Volksinitiative bringen die Bürger ihren Vorschlag für ein neues Gesetz ins Parlament ein.
Through the popular initiative, the citizens are bringing their proposal for a new law before parliament.
Die Bürgerinitiative sammelt im Ort Unterschriften gegen den geplanten Parkplatz.
The citizens’ initiative is collecting signatures in town against the planned parking lot.
