Repeal and Replace

• Published in: The New republic 2017-11, Vol.248 (11), p.12
• Main Author: Chang, Clio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Campaign contributions; Electoral reform; Legislatures; Political parties
• ISSN: 0028-6583; 2169-2416

During Barack Obama's two terms in office, Democrats lost ground at the state level--a lot of ground. Republicans now dominate state legislatures to a greater degree than at any time since the Civil War, making it nearly impossible for Democrats to enact any meaningful policies in large swaths of the US. But in the midst of last year's electoral wipeout, there was one bright spot: Citizens took the law into their own hands, introducing 71 ballot initiatives in 16 states--the most in a decade. But such victories have proved short-lived. Republican legislatures responded to the surge in civic participation by using their power to effectively overrule the will of the people--and to make it harder to enact citizen-backed reforms in the future. In South Dakota, state lawmakers simply repealed the voter-approved limits on campaign contributions and lobbying. It's true that in twelve states, including Maine, there are no restrictions against such legislative tampering with citizen initiatives.