Initiative

a.	1.	Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory; preliminary.
n.	1.	An introductory step or movement; an act which originates or begins. The undeveloped initiatives of good things to come. - I. Taylor.
	2.	The right or power to introduce a new measure or course of action, as in legislation; as, the initiative in respect to revenue bills is in the House of Representatives.
	3.	(Political Science) The right or procedure by which legislation may be introduced or enacted directly by the people, as in the Swiss Confederation and in many of the States of the United States; - chiefly used with the. The procedure of the initiative is essentially as follows: Upon the filing of a petition signed by a required number or percentage of qualified voters the desired measure must be submitted to a popular vote, and upon receiving the required majority (commonly a majority of those voting on the measure submitted) it becomes a law. In some States of the United States the initiative is only local; in others it is state-wide and includes the making of constitutional amendments.
	4.	a character trait manifested in a readiness and ability to initiate action; an enterprising spirit; a go-getting attitude; energy; drive; get-up-and-go.
	5.	in interactive activities, such as conversation or games, the right or opportunity to set the course of action; as, to have the initiative.

Noun	1.	initiative - readiness to embark on bold new ventures Synonyms: enterprisingness, go-ahead, enterprise
	2.	initiative - the first of a series of actions; "he memorized all the important chess openings" Synonyms: first step, opening move, opening
Adj.	1.	initiative - serving to set in motion; "the magazine's inaugural issue"; "the initiative phase in the negotiations"; "an initiatory step toward a treaty"; "his first (or maiden) speech in Congress"; "the liner's maiden voyage" Synonyms: initiatory, maiden, inaugural, first

INITIATIVE, French law. The name given to the important prerogative given by the charte constitutionelle, art. 16, to the late king to propose through his ministers projects of laws. 1 Toull. n. 39. See Veto.

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