“Démarche” is based on the French verb “démarcher,” meaning “to take steps.” One of the features of American democracy is the right for citizens to launch their own political démarches. The U.S. system of initiatives and referendums gives citizens the ability to introduce legislation to ballots for approval by popular vote. Known in different states and districts as “ballot measures,” “ballot questions,” or “propositions,” these popular decisions have led to legislative changes on démarches as wide-ranging as legalizing cannabis, setting the minimum wage, adopting renewable energy, and recalling elected leaders.