Shays’ Rebellion, an uprising of farmers angry over conditions in Massachusetts in 1786, prompted Thomas Jefferson to express the view that “A little rebellion now and then is a good thing” for America. Though Jefferson possessed an excellent degree of insight, he could not have possibly foreseen the results of a referendum on the Massachusetts ballot on Nov. 2, 2004.

On that day, the state’s voters rejected their own judiciary by adopting the idea that children of separation and divorce should have equal access to both parents. Support for the measure blurred party lines and came from a wide social spectrum. Religious and nonreligious voters alike cast their ballots as the “little rebellion” took form. The result, according to the Boston Globe, was a whopping 530,7116 to 97,112 landslide.

Similar to other “little rebellions” with Massachusetts origins, this vote could be revolutionary for America. Six years later Jefferson wrote: “I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves.”

Steve Minott, Windham