[Publius]

There is a movement afoot to get an initiative on the California ballot to apply for a Convention of the States to write an amendment that would create a commonsense path to secession and dissolution of the Union.

The problem is that under Article V it's the state legislature that has to apply to Congress for such a convention, not the people via initiative. The California legislature could apply for a convention for this subject today if it wished.

[Jacquerie]

Yes, the legislature must apply.

As for popular initiatives in general, they are dangerous. While common to probably all states, they are direct democracy and should be avoided. Joe Blow has no business making laws, constitutional amendments or voting on secession.