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I think this really makes sense given that in Germany we have a quorum of 50k with a much smaller population. The same thing is probably true for other smaller
by ttaubert 14y ago
I think this really makes sense given that in Germany we have a quorum of 50k with a much smaller population. The same thing is probably true for other smaller countries as well.
- tobinfricke 14y agoWhat can a quorum of 50k people accomplish in Germany?
- Xylakant 14y agoYour petition might get a reading in the Parliament and you're allowed to speak. However, this is not a guaranteed outcome, the Bundestag or rather the committee in charge of petitions may deny you the public reading with a 2/3 majority. However, on the state level there is a "Volksentscheid" where the people can directly vote or enforce a vote on an issue. The quorum and the topics that are eligible for a Volksentscheid depend on the states legislation. Berlin for example allows a vote on general topics of interest while other states only allow votes on proposed laws.
- tobinfricke 14y agoHave there been any particularly notable uses or outcomes of this process?
- Xylakant 14y agoThe most notable outcome was probably the petition against internet blocks in germany [1] which was signed by more than 130 000 persons and was a crucial milestone in gathering public attention which ultimately brought the law to a fall. [1] you know, against child porn. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zugangserschwerungsgesetz http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zugangserschwerungsgesetz for a short summary.
- tobinfricke 14y agoI was surprised to learn that the population of Germany is 80 million, the same "order of magnitude" as the United States. (By contrast, the U.S. has 30X the land area of Germany.)