Final answer:
In the U.S., twenty-four states allow citizens to engage in initiatives and referendums, mechanisms of direct democracy where citizens can propose and vote on legislation directly. Additionally, twelve states permit the recall of elected officials through a citizen-initiated process.
Step-by-step explanation:
A referendum is a citizen-initiated petition to repeal a portion of, or an entire law, as passed by the legislature. Twenty-four states allow some form of initiative and referendum. The initiative process allows voters to enact legislation by placing an idea on the ballot, with twenty states adopting this procedure by 1920, while recall is a process to remove an elected official from office through petition and vote, with twelve states adopting this measure by 1920. A legislative referendum occurs when a legislature passes a law or a constitutional amendment that is then presented to voters for ratification. In some cases, like in Michigan, citizens have the power to utilize all three processes—referendum, initiative, and recall, including both types of initiative. These forms of direct democracy are present in 26 US states and local municipalities, enhancing citizens' power to impact policy directly.