Civic Congress's definitions

Third Continental Congress

An informal, citizen-led term used by some organizers to describe a voluntary movement advocating for direct democracy in the United States, particularly referencing the 23 states with active ballot initiative or referendum processes; inspired by the historic Continental Congress and used symbolically to encourage broader civic participation. Not an official government body and holds no legal or legislative authority.

During the historic 250th anniversary of the United States, 23 states allow direct democracy through citizen-initiated ballot measures, and some scholars and activists may refer to this coalition as a modern ‘Third Continental Congress’—a symbolic term for a citizen-led movement calling on other states to join.

by Civic Congress January 24, 2026