What does the term "initiative" refer to in the context of progressive reforms?

The term "initiative" in the context of progressive reforms specifically refers to a process that empowers voters to directly propose legislation. This mechanism allows citizens to petition for specific laws to be placed on the ballot, enabling them to initiate legislative action without going through the conventional legislative process. The aim of the initiative was to enhance democratic participation and to give ordinary people more control over the political system, particularly during the Progressive Era, when reformers sought to address social and political issues through more direct means.

This grassroots capability was designed to circumvent potential blockages within state legislatures and to reflect the will of the people more consistently. By allowing voters themselves to introduce and vote on legislation, the initiative process played a crucial role in advancing various reforms sought by the Progressive movement, such as labor rights, women's suffrage, and regulatory measures.

In contrast, other options refer to different reform mechanisms within the political system. Removing elected officials pertains to the recall process, selecting party candidates involves primary elections, and approving laws aligns with referendum practices. Each serves its unique purpose, but the initiative is specifically about enabling voters to directly legislate, which aligns with the answer provided.