Referendums empower citizen participation in politics by allowing voters to directly decide on specific issues or policies rather than relying solely on elected representatives. This process fosters a sense of democratic engagement and ownership among citizens, as they take an active role in shaping legislation. Referendums can address crucial topics such as constitutional amendments or significant social policies, providing a mechanism for public input. However, they can also lead to polarized divisions, as complex issues may oversimplify nuanced debates into binary choices, potentially affecting overall societal cohesion.