Have they been misused or misdirected?

The Populist and Progressive movements made direct democratic reforms a central feature of their agenda, if for slightly different objectives. As a result of their efforts, many states have since adopted direct democratic measures, including the power to recall elected officials, the popular referendum, and the initiative (direct and indirect). Although these procedures were enacted on the basis of empowering people, and giving them greater opportunities to directly influence public policy, they remain highly contentious, with detractors arguing these changes impede the deliberativeness and functionality of representative institutions.
What is your position on direct democracy? In an analytical paper, assess the costs and benefits of direct democratic features. What were the major arguments proposed by reformers and proponents? What advantages have they provided? For your evidence, you should utilize your assigned state. How does your state rank in terms of providing direct democracy (recall, referendum, and initiative)? Are all three on the books? Are there any policies or actions enacted through these channels with which you agree?
You should also weigh their costs. What deep concerns do detractors and critics express? What are the disadvantages? Have they been misused or misdirected? Do they lead to additional problems? And have there been any measures adopted or actions taken by your state through these methods with which you disagree?
(NOTE: If your state does not have any direct democratic measures, you should examine policies which you believe are reflective of sentiment in the state, and policies which you believe are out of step with the state’s constituents. Do you believe your state would be able to enact more representative policies with these reforms in place, or do you think these changes would create unanticipated challenges, complications, and issues?)
After weighing both sides, explain which you find more compelling and persuasive. Do you believe these measures are responsible for making public policy more representative of the broader population? And what about the larger implications over the tension between democracy and republicanism. The US is a democratic republic, but do you believe its democratic nature ought to be more fully pronounced, or its republican nature? Please explain why.