Referendums serve as a tool for direct democratic governance, allowing citizens to vote on specific issues or policies rather than solely relying on elected representatives. This process enhances civic engagement by empowering voters to influence significant matters, such as constitutional changes or critical national policies. Referendums can bridge gaps between public opinion and political action, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among citizens. However, they also pose challenges, as complex issues may be oversimplified into binary choices, potentially leading to voter misinformation. Overall, referendums strengthen participatory governance if conducted fairly and transparently.