I am an Indian student in the US, and I have recently witnessed an election here. In California and Florida (I have seen a ballot for that state), the voters also vote on some key issues in addition to voting for representatives. From what I understand, there is a petition that people sign, and if there are enough people signing the petition, it goes to the court. If the court gives the green light, this petition appears on the ballot for people to vote on. If the vote is successful, the petition becomes a law (without the representatives doing anything). I feel that is a great method for a fair direct democracy.
I have never voted in India before due to my age, but I was wondering if India had something like that. It is similar to a referendum (which is illegal in India from my online research), but on smaller issues.