The way the US is doing it isn't about agreement, it's about power.
Well, maybe. It could also be about the fact that money has made the US electoral system no longer an accurate reflection of the will of the people.
And it's not even about referendums, because referendums don't even make it to the ballot without big money getting behind them. And candidates? Forget about it. There's a money primary that happens before you even get to find out who's running.
Today I was reading an article about how statistically, the positions of Bernie Sanders most accurately reflect the opinions of the American people. His position on each issue going down the line are supported by more Americans than any other candidate from either party. You think he's got a chance to be elected? Not as long as the superPACs are allowed to finance the elections.
To be honest, I'm not sure any US election will ever again be a reflection of the will of the people. Elections are just more reality television now. No matter who gets elected from either party, most Americans are going to hate them because that candidate has nothing to do with the will of the people.