Petition facts for kids

People signing a petition in Budapest, Hungary, in 2015.

A petition is a formal request that many people sign to ask for a change. People often send petitions to government officials or public groups. They want to make a difference or fix a problem. For example, a petition might ask a city to build a new park or to change a local rule.

Sometimes, people also use petitions in a legal way. This means they are asking a court or a judge to do something specific.

What is a Petition?

A petition is like a big letter or document that many people sign. By signing, they show they agree with the request. The goal is to show that many people support an idea or want something to happen. This can put pressure on leaders or organizations to listen and act.

People use petitions for many reasons, such as:

• Asking for new laws or to change old ones.
• Protesting against something they think is unfair.
• Asking for help for a specific group of people.
• Showing support for a cause or an idea.

How Do Petitions Work?

Making a petition usually involves a few steps:

• Writing the request: First, someone writes down exactly what they are asking for. This needs to be clear and easy to understand.
• Collecting signatures: Next, people gather signatures from others who agree with the request. This can be done on paper or online. The more signatures a petition has, the stronger it looks.
• Submitting the petition: Once enough signatures are collected, the petition is given to the person or group it is addressed to. This could be a mayor, a member of parliament, or a school board.
• Waiting for a response: After the petition is submitted, the people who received it might discuss the request. They might decide to take action, hold a meeting, or explain why they cannot grant the request.

Petitions in Law

In legal terms, a petition can be a special document used to start a court case. It's different from a "complaint," which usually asks for money. A petition in court often asks for a judge to make a specific decision or order.

For example, a petition might ask a court to:

• Decide who a child should live with after parents separate.
• Help someone get important documents.
• Deal with a person's will after they have passed away.

The person who starts one of these legal petitions is called a petitioner. A petitioner is someone who formally asks a government or court for help or a legal solution to a problem.

See also

In Spanish: Petición para niños