What is the term for a Missouri law or amendment that is suggested by the people and approved by voters?

The term for a Missouri law or amendment that is suggested by the people and approved by voters is known as an initiative. This process allows citizens to propose legislation or constitutional amendments through a petition process, gathering a certain number of signatures to qualify for a ballot. Once the required signatures are obtained, the initiative is then placed on the ballot for voters to decide in an election.

This democratic process emphasizes direct participation by the populace in government decision-making, reflecting the will of the people. Initiatives empower citizens to enact changes or propose new measures without necessarily going through the traditional legislative process.

In contrast, a referendum is typically utilized when the legislature refers a specific measure to the electorate for approval or disapproval. A ballot measure is a broader term that can encompass both initiatives and referenda but does not specifically denote the citizen-driven nature of an initiative. The recall process is different altogether, as it involves voters removing an elected official from office before the term ends, rather than creating or amending laws.