Direct Legislation by the Citizenship Through the Initiative and Referendum

A sociological treatise written in the late 19th century. This work examines the principles and practices of direct democracy, particularly in Switzerland, contrasting it with representative government systems. It discusses how direct legislation allows for citizens to enact laws and influence governance, highlighting the Initiative and Referendum as vital mechanisms for democratic participation. The opening of the book introduces its purpose, which is to amplify the ideas expressed in Sullivan's previous work, focusing on the practicalities of direct participation in governance. Sullivan emphasizes the significant differences between direct democracy, where citizens have the power to make and enact laws themselves, and a representative government that can lead to oligarchic control by politicians and elites. He draws on experiences in Switzerland, where the Initiative and Referendum have gained traction, illustrating how these methods empower citizens and provide a model for potential democratic reforms in other nations.