As a poor landlocked nation, starting in 1891 Switzerland is the only modern democracy that permits citizens to propose laws in the form of [direct] initiatives… (Magleby, David B., Direct Legislation, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1984). Since then has grown to became amongst the very richest nations of our time.
Our Founders' Warning: “Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories.” (Thomas Jefferson)