Talk:Initiatives and referendums in the United States

History

The book The Centennial History of Oregon describes it this way:

But in 1890 a state-wide campaign was commenced by a determined band of men, nearly all of them members of the Republican party, to secure such amendments to the state constitution as would disarm the primary ballot-box stuffing and state convention packing "bosses" of the old parties, and restore to the people the power to dictate and control legislation. These agitators and innovators met with bitter opposition from both of the old parties, and were denounced by all the leading newspapers, office holders and office seekers as "calamity howlers." But they would not retreat, nor keep quiet, but kept up the "howl" until within ten years from the time they effected a state organization under the name of the "People's" or "Populist" party, the voters of the state had endorsed their propaganda of reform and amended the state constitution so as to secure direct nomination of candidates for office by registered voters; direct legislation by the people by initiative propositions proposed by registered voters; and a referendum to the people of any act passed by the legislature on the petition demand of registered voters. This was the most radical departure from the universal methods of legislative bodies ever proposed or enacted in the United States. And it was proposed and pushed to final success by the despised Populists, and incorporated into the laws of Oregon prior to its adoption by any other state in the Union. These are now, in 1912, called the "Progressive" laws, and three presidential candidates, and their respective parties - the Republican, Democratic and Roosevelt (progressive) parties, are each claiming to be the only true and trustworthy representatives of these old Populist reforms.

While this History is in course of preparation, two propositions, entirely new and distinctive in American governments, are now being pressed upon the voters of the state for a decision. First: an initiative bill to substitute a tax upon the rental value of land in lieu of all other raxes upon property. This proposition goes by the name of "The Single Tax." Second: an initiative bill to substitute The leading advocate of the "Oregon System" of direct primary nomination of public offices and direct ballot-box law-making a cabinet form of government for the state in place of the political elective form of government now in force. These measures are proposed by the People's Power League of Oregon, of which Wm. S. U'Ren, is the secretary.

The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912, pages 658-660, published in 1912.

Progressingamerica (talk) 20:49, 9 January 2016 (EST)