When state legislatures present proposed legislation for voter approval, this is known as what?

The correct term for the process whereby state legislatures present proposed legislation for voter approval is a referendum. In this context, a referendum allows citizens to vote directly on specific legislative proposals or constitutional amendments that have been passed by the state legislature. This process is an example of direct democracy, enabling voters to have a direct say in laws that affect their lives.

The significance of a referendum lies in its ability to potentially overturn legislative decisions or to confirm them based on public opinion. This mechanism provides a check on the legislature and encourages civic engagement by involving voters in the decision-making process.

On the other hand, “initiative” refers to a process where citizens can propose their own legislation or constitutional amendments through collecting signatures to qualify for a ballot, rather than the legislature doing so. "Balloting" is a more general term that refers to the voting process itself. "Legislative action" encompasses the broader activities of lawmakers and does not specifically refer to the voter approval process. Each of these terms highlights different aspects of civic engagement and governance, but they are distinct from the specific process described by a referendum.