When the People Decide

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When the People Decide, a podcast from the McCourtney Institute for Democracy at Penn State, explores the promise — and sometimes peril — that ballot initiatives have brought to American democracy by telling the stories of people who have organized initiative campaigns across the country.America’s founders were famously skeptical of direct democracy, citing fears of mob rule if people had too much power. Since then, however, the initiative and referendum process has emerged as one way that citizens in some states can vote directly on policy and join forces to bring issues they care about directly to their fellow voters.When the People Decide is hosted and reported by Jenna Spinelle and produced by LWC Studios for the McCourtney Institute.

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Recent Reviews
  • mspassell
    566787 stars!!!!
    Finally an optimistic look at how our goverment can work.
  • katieo2022
    Absorbing and informative
    Spinelle brings such clarity to a subject fraught with subtle complexity. This is a great weave of storytelling and civics class.
  • Luna843
    Deep dive into direct democracy
    This is a well-researched, well-told narrative series that deeply explores all aspects of the ballot initiative— super interesting stuff that really gets you thinking about what Democracy is and it’s pros and cons
  • Photog127
    Smart and insightful
    A fascinating look at an often overlooked facet of American democracy.
  • Knott.Melanie
    Well produced and informative
    Jenna is a wonderful narrator who takes the listener deep into an important topic that affects all Americans. Easy to digest and informative. Thank you.
  • Vanessa, Village SquareCast
    Hooked already - can’t wait for more!
    I’m hooked already! This is an area I’ve been very curious about so I can’t wait to hear more. And as a fan of Democracy Works, I know this show will be excellent too.
  • LizzyGordon
    When the People Decide
    There isn’t a topic more important today than keeping American democracy a project of our citizens. Just in time, a series from Penn State’s prestigious McCourtney Institute for Democracy!
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