Ohio Constitution
AG 19.05 & 19.06
Ohio Constitution Basics
• It is long and confusing
– What Questions do you have?
Citizen Initiatives
• Citizens can collect a pre determined number
of signatures to get an issue placed on a ballot
to be voted on.
Statutory Initiative
Referendum
• Proposed by government but voted on by the
citizens.
Objections to Initiatives and
Referendums
• Undermines Representative Government
– Over steps elected officials
• Majoritarianism
– Fear that minorities will not be represented
• Too Long
– Ballots and voting takes too long
• Special Interests
– Groups use these tools to push their interests
Process
1.
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3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Identify Problem and Get Signatures
File with Secretary of State
Put on Ballot and Vote on it
If not passed, Kicked back
If passed, examined by legislatures
If okayed, could be amended
Becomes law (possible future amendments)
Constitutional Growth
• 1802 = 8 articles; Today – 18 articles… Why?
– Expanded beliefs of what is a constitutional
provision.
– Ineffective writing
– 9 of 18 Amendments have expired