They have a Governor appointed by the President, a legislature of two Houses elected by the people, and a system of courts.
"There are seventy-six cities and towns which enjoy some local government."
They send as their representative to Congress, a resident commissioner. While these new possessions are expensive they add great wealth and power to our nation.
Taxes are contributions that the people are required by the government to pay in order to meet the expenses of our nation.
We are not patriotic unless we respond to the call of our government.
Referendum and Initiative.
Some states have the referendum and initiative power of helping to make laws.
If a state legislature passes a law that the people do not approve of a petition may be signed by a certain number of voters which will require the law to be referred to the people for their approval or disapproval.
Referendum means referring a law passed by the legislature back to the voters for their approval or disapproval.
"If five per cent of the voters of a state and two-thirds of the congressional districts do not approve of a bill passed by the General Assembly they sign a petition and file it with the Secretary of State in ninety days after the General Assembly adjourns." The question involved is then submitted to the voters at the next election for their approval or disapproval.