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People think that a referendum is going to suddenly create policy change. That's simply not true. Think of a referendum more as an opinion poll. Governments use referendums to gauge public opinion but Does Not obligate them to follow the result. It's an illusion of change and not a binding agreement.

And there it is! "Constitutional Reforms". People think (whether in Alberta or Quebec) that they hold a referendum, it passes, and everyone goes bye bye. Folks are in for a rude awakening

I love the direct democracy comparison because yeah, having a referendum on only issues that Mrs. Smith thinks are important makes you just like Switzerland! Why don't you have a referendum on your rate of pay and the pension you will receive, as a politician, Mrs. Smith? How about you have a referendum about the US-style health insurance you want to introduce? Or how about you have a referendum on the style of democracy you have and ask people if they want a true direct-democracy and let them be able to have a vote on any issue or law, at any time? Yeah, I didn't think so...