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.
petition
'die Petition' and 'die Volksinitiative' both involve citizens supporting a political cause. In both cases, signatures can be important. A petition is mainly a written request or demand to a public authority. A Volksinitiative is an instrument of direct democracy: a certain number of citizens use it to bring a concern or a draft law before parliament. Learners may confuse the words because both sound political and are often linked to signatures. The key difference is this: a petition calls for attention or a decision; a Volksinitiative starts a clearly defined political procedure.
Die Volksinitiative bringt einen Vorschlag für strengere Klimaregeln ins Parlament.
The popular initiative brings a proposal for stricter climate rules before parliament.
Die Petition fordert mehr bezahlbare Wohnungen in der Stadt.
The petition calls for more affordable housing in the city.