NOTE TO STUDENTS:  Read the "Background" below before answering the questions.

1. Define ballot measure.

2. a) List the two types of citizen ballot measures.
b)  What is the difference between the two?

3. What is a legislative measure?

4. In how many states can citizens petition to add initiatives and/or referendums to the ballot?

5. List the total number and breakdown of ballot measures (including legislative measures) which will be voted on across the country in the 2012 election.

6. List at least 5 of the key ballot measure topics for this election (using a word or phrase to describe each topic).

7. How are this year's ballot measures different from many past elections?

8. a) Does your state practice direct democracy through the ballot measure process? (if not, choose a neighboring state to answer the following)
b) What initiatives or referendums are on your state’s ballot in the upcoming election?
c) How would you cast your vote on any of the measures? (Choose one.) Explain your answer.