In a direct initiative, what is required for a measure to appear on the ballot?

In a direct initiative, the requirement for a measure to appear on the ballot is the gathering of a petition signed by residents. This process allows citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments directly, bypassing the legislative assembly. The number of signatures required often varies by state, and these signatures must typically be collected within a specified timeframe.

This mechanism exemplifies the concept of direct democracy, empowering voters to have a direct say in the legislative process. The success of a direct initiative relies on citizen engagement and activism, as it gives voters the opportunity to bring issues to the forefront that may not be addressed by elected officials. Other options, such as approval by the state legislature or a decision by the governor, do not pertain to the direct initiative process, as it is specifically meant to allow direct citizen involvement in shaping policy without intermediaries.