The <u><em>initiative</em></u> allows voters to write proposals for laws and constitutional amendments. Twenty-four states in the U.S. allow the use of the initiative process, but some restrict the content of the proposals. The processes are outlined in Article V of the state constitution. The very first initiative involved the building and location of the state capitol. Oklahoma City was chosen as the site for the new capital. Another important initiative was passed in 1912 to allow direct election of U.S. senators, rather than having the state legislature choose them. The U.S. Constitution was amended (Amendment 17) to allow direct election of U.S. senators in every state the following year.
The Song Dynasty was so large and that was a factor in the empire's decline. They created so many positions within the bureaucracy and the men in those positions received a generous amount of money.
