Massachusetts has several forms of direct democracy, allowing for initiative and referendums at the state level and in many municipalities.
The progressive movement started discussions about adopting direct democracy across the United States, and Massachusetts developed a local branch.
The state branch of the Populist Party adopted the statewide initiative and referendum in its 1895 platform.
[3][4] The petition must be considered by the legislature and are submitted to a committee for public discussion, and may be voted on and enacted like any other piece of legislation.
In the 2015-2016 session there were at least 177 bills filed by private individuals in the state, with only four leaving committee for a floor vote and none being enacted.