In what ways does the initiative process in California advantage resource-rich, "special interests" and disadvantage average citizens?
What will be an ideal response?
Varies. The filing fee of $2,000 may deter citizens from filing an initiative, but the higher hurdles lie at the signature-gathering stage. Because hundreds of thousands of signatures must be gathered (usually about twice the required number of 365,880) within 180 days, a signature-gathering firm usually will need to be hired to collect them--and they charge per-signature rates that are far higher than most citizens can afford. Average citizens typically do not have the know-how to run a statewide campaign or raise the millions of dollars needed to reach undecided voters. Campaigns can be costly, and a majority (two thirds) of all donations to initiative campaigns are in amounts of $1 million or more. Finally, wealthy "special interests" may dominate the airwaves with their own carefully crafted messages, confusing or discouraging average citizens who may not have time to become thoroughly educated about initiatives on the ballot.
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Interest groups are critical players in established democracies and in countries that are becoming democratic
Indicate whether this statement is true or false.
The initial concept for the presidency at the Constitutional Convention was an executive
A) selected by Congress for a seven-year term and ineligible for reelection. B) voted for directly by the people every three years. C) selected by the Supreme Court for a four-year term and ineligible for reelection. D) selected by a vote of the nation's governors every four years. E) selected by the House of Representatives every 2 years.