Tennessee is one of 24 states that does not have either initiative or referendum on a state level. An initiative is when enough registered voters petition to "create, amend, or repeal a state law or constitutional provision." A direct initiative will allow voters to vote directly on the bill.

According to Ballotpedia.org "A veto referendum is a type of citizen-initiated ballot measure that asks voters whether to uphold or repeal a law passed by the state legislature, a city council, a county board of supervisors, or some other legislative body." 

the difference being that "Referendum can merely repeal laws. Direct initiative can both repeal an old law and replace it with a new one." according to the National citizen's initiative for democracy. 

It is important, if we are to have a democratic nation, that we must first have a democratic state. Allowing for citizens to start initiatives and referendums will greatly expand voters' rights and give us greater say in our state legislature.