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California Direct Democracy — Reading Comprehension

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This reading passage introduces students to the important concepts of initiative, referendum, and recall during the Progressive Era in U.S. history. Students will learn how these reforms gave citizens more power and changed the way government worked. With a clear narrative, this passage explains key events and figures, showing how citizens worked together to improve democracy. The passage is designed to build literacy skills while teaching history, and it aligns with C3 Framework standards and Common Core ELA standards. Activities include a glossary, multiple-choice questions, writing prompts, and a timeline. Students can use the Spanish translation and audio read-aloud for support. This resource is perfect for building understanding of reform, civic action, and the growth of voting rights in America.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Citizens vote at a ballot box during the Progressive Era. — Artist Representation of Empowering the people with initiative, referendum, and recall.

California direct democracy allows citizens to help make important decisions about their government. This means people in California can vote not only for leaders, but also for laws themselves. These powers became important during the Progressive Era, a time of big changes in the early 1900s.

Before direct democracy, only lawmakers in Sacramento decided what laws would be made. Sometimes, these lawmakers listened more to wealthy business owners than to regular people. Many citizens felt their voices were not being heard. This caused problems, like unfair laws and leaders who did not care about everyone.

To solve these problems, Californians wanted more control. They introduced three tools to let people shape their government: the initiative, the referendum, and the recall.

An initiative lets citizens write a new law and collect signatures to put it on the ballot. If enough people sign, everyone in the state can vote on it. If most voters agree, the idea becomes a law. For example, Californians used an initiative to limit how long lawmakers can serve in office.

A referendum gives people a way to reject a law passed by lawmakers. If citizens do not like a new law, they can gather signatures to put it to a vote. If most voters say "no," the law is stopped.

A recall allows voters to remove an elected official from office before their term is over. If enough people sign a petition, there will be a special vote. If most voters say the official should go, they are replaced. In 2003, California used a recall to remove their governor.

These tools help Californians make sure their government listens to them. Direct democracy gives power to ordinary people. It helps prevent unfair laws and keeps leaders responsible.

Today, California voters still use initiatives, referendums, and recalls. These rights make California’s democracy strong. When people get involved, everyone has a voice in how the state is run.

Interesting Fact: In 1911, California voters passed the initiative, referendum, and recall all in the same year, making it one of the first states to use these tools.

What is direct democracy?

People vote directly on lawsOnly leaders make lawsLaws are made in secretOnly businesses vote on laws

When did California pass initiative, referendum, and recall?

1911177620031800

Which city is California’s capitol?

SacramentoLos AngelesSan FranciscoSan Diego

Why did people want direct democracy?

To have more controlTo help businessesTo stop votingTo avoid new laws

What does a recall allow voters to do?

Remove an official earlyElect a presidentWrite a new lawCollect taxes

How do initiatives become laws?

Voters approve themLawmakers only approveBusinesses decideNo vote needed