1918 Massachusetts Question 1

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1918 Massachusetts Question 1 – Easy version

On November 5, 1918, Massachusetts voters were asked to approve an amendment to the state Constitution to create the popular initiative and referendum, and to allow the legislative initiative of specific amendments. The measure was proposed by a Constitutional Convention.

Result:
- Yes: 170,646 (51.28%)
- No: 162,103 (48.72%)
- Only 2 of Massachusetts’ 14 counties voted in favor.

What the amendment would do:
- Add new language to Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution.
- Give the people two powers:
- Popular initiative: a group of voters could propose constitutional amendments and laws for a statewide vote.
- Popular referendum: voters could approve or reject laws already passed by the Legislature (the General Court).

Important context:
- The General Court would still have the power to make laws, but the people would gain the ability to submit questions to a vote through initiative and referendum.
- Before this, 21 states already used initiative and referendum. The idea had broad political support in some elections and among several leaders, and it was the subject of one of the longest debates in Massachusetts constitutional history.