I think the big problem with the initiative system in California is that an initiative constitutional amendment needs only a bare majority to pass.  While I believe the people should be able to amend the constitution, I think it should require a supermajority of at least 60%.<p>That would mean the vast majority of initiatives would be statutes, which could in principle be subsequently amended or overridden by the legislature.  Of course, the legislature would presumably be reluctant to modify a popular initiative without a very good reason, as there would be a political cost to doing so, but at least it would be possible.