At its core, a petition is simply a formal request made to a government or legal authority to take some form of action. The action requested can range anywhere from granting certain rights or privileges, to changing a law, to approving or rejecting specific proposals or requests.
The term petition in its original legal sense dates back to the 17th century when it was used to refer to a formal written document addressed to the King or other royal authority of Britain. This document typically contained a lengthy statement of grievances or requests and was signed by the petitioners, who were often subjects of the Crown.
Modern Petitions
Though petitioning the Crown is no longer applicable, the term still survives in modern legal language. In contemporary society, petitions are a common practice when requesting action from government officials, with examples including petitions to reopen a school, or petitions to get a local candidate on the ballot. This is also true with local government agencies, such as when citizens petition to have a street light installed in a neighborhood.
Today, petitions may also be an effective means of changing public opinion or raising awareness about an issue. Petitions can be published online and shared via social media, allowing for a wide reach. Popular petitions might strive to pressure a company to drop a certain product, or make changes to a service or policy.
Benefits of a Petition
Petitioning is beneficial in a variety of ways. By filing a petition with the government or another authority, petitioners can make their voices heard and increase the chances of seeing some kind of positive change or response. Additionally, petitioning can also be an invaluable tool when it comes to launching campaigns and getting the word out on an issue or cause.
Given the reach of the modern petition, anyone can join in and show their support for a cause. This can strengthen the campaign’s appeal and its ability to influence decision-makers. For example, a petition encouraging the government to pass a certain law might gain additional credibility with the more signatures it accumulates.
Conclusion
In sum, a petition is a formal request made to the government or other legal authority. Though the term originally referred to a formal written document addressed to the Crown, in modern society the term has a broader application and can refer to online petitions or those submitted via mail, fax, or email. Petitions can be used to voice opinions on an issue, influence laws or policies, or simply gain the attention of a government official.