Participatory and deliberative processes of constitutional change? Reflections from the Chilean Constitutional Macroprocess
Authors
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Vicente Aylwin
Universitad Pompeu Fabra
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9148-0016
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Abstract
This article analyzes the relationship between participation and deliberation in processes of constitutional change and their importance for the democratic legitimation of political-constitutional structures. Although both are foundational ideals of democratic constitutionalism, they exist in a relationship of tension. Based on a conceptual analysis, I seek to delineate what the idea of participatory and deliberative processes of constitutional change consists of, and then evaluate which institutions can realize this ideal. I conclude the article by referring to the Chilean constitutional macro-process to show, on the one hand, this tension in practice and, on the other, to refer to an institutional innovation that promises to strengthen the link between participation and deliberation: the popular initiative for constitutional norms.Keywords:
participation , deliberation , constitutional change , constituent process , legitimacyReferences
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