Direct democracy offers citizens a more active role in governance but may also present potential drawbacks. While it enhances participation and accountability, complexities arise when addressing multifaceted issues through referendums. Public votes can oversimplify decisions, leading to misinformed outcomes driven by emotion rather than reasoned deliberation. Additionally, direct democracy can exacerbate divisive rhetoric, polarizing communities on contentious topics. This approach may also challenge established representative systems, creating tension between elected officials and constituents. Ultimately, the efficacy of direct democracy hinges on the informed engagement of the electorate.