What is a key feature of a Direct Initiative?

A key feature of a Direct Initiative is that citizens generate policy proposals. This process allows ordinary citizens to take the initiative in proposing new laws or constitutional amendments without needing to go through the legislature first. By gathering a certain number of signatures from registered voters, proponents can place their proposals directly on the ballot for public vote. This empowers citizens to advocate for issues they feel strongly about and seek to enact change directly through the democratic process.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of a Direct Initiative. The ability for citizens to remove an elected official pertains more to recall elections rather than initiatives. Proposals that are sent to the legislature first involve an indirect initiative process, which is distinct from a Direct Initiative where the public votes directly. Lastly, stating that only the legislature can initiate policy changes contradicts the premise of a Direct Initiative, which explicitly allows citizens to take that role themselves.