Power to the People: Initiative, Referendum, and Recall — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.2.5
D2.HIS.3.5
RI.5.3
RI.5.4
W.5.2

About This Reader

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.

The Progressive Era began in the United States in the late 1800s. During this time, people wanted to fix problems in government and society. Many Americans felt that their voices were not being heard. They wanted more power to make decisions. New laws called initiative, referendum, and recall were created to help citizens take part in government.

Before these new laws, only lawmakers could create or change laws. Sometimes, lawmakers did not listen to the people. Many citizens wanted to change laws themselves. This led to the idea of the initiative. The initiative allowed people to collect signatures and put a new law on the ballot. If enough voters agreed, the new law could be passed. This gave citizens a strong voice in government.

Another tool was the referendum. The referendum let citizens vote on laws made by lawmakers. If the people did not like a law, they could gather signatures to put it on the ballot. Voters could then decide to approve or reject the law. This made lawmakers listen more closely to the people. One supporter of these changes said, "The people should have the right to decide what is best for themselves."

The third tool was the recall. The recall allowed voters to remove an official from office before their term ended. If a leader was not doing a good job, people could collect signatures to hold a special vote. If most voters agreed, the leader would be replaced. This helped keep leaders honest and responsible.

These reforms first started in states like Oregon and California around 1902. Soon, many states adopted them. The changes made government more fair and open. Citizens could now help make the rules and choose who led them. This was a big step for democracy in the United States.

Today, people in many states still use initiative, referendum, and recall. These tools remind us that government is for the people. They show how working together can solve problems and make life better for everyone.

Interesting Fact: In 1911, California voters used the recall for the first time to remove a city official.

What is an initiative?

A way for people to propose lawsA city electionA type of governmentA holiday event

Where did these reforms start?

Texas and FloridaOregon and CaliforniaNew York and OhioIllinois and Alaska

What year did California voters use recall first?

1902191119201889

Why did people want initiative, referendum, and recall?

To have more power in governmentTo make schools betterTo help businesses growTo build more roads

How did the referendum help citizens?

Let them vote on lawsLet them make speechesLet them build parksLet them write books

Why might leaders be more honest after recall?