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Concept VI · Participation

Citizen Petitions and Initiatives

The lawful power of citizens to put a proposal on the public agenda themselves.

Concept VI in the assembly, marked in red.
Fig. 1Concept VI in the assembly, marked in red.

Petitions and initiatives let citizens bring proposals forward directly, with enough signatures, instead of waiting for an official to act. The Philippines already provides for initiative in law; Poliarchism asks how such tools can be made usable and routine.

In brief

  • Clear, achievable signature and verification rules.
  • Proposals that receive a timely, public answer.
  • Support for citizens to draft and organise properly.

For discussion

Why are the participation tools already written into law so rarely used?