ABSTRACT
The process of constitutional rewriting in Iceland between 2010 and 2013 refl ects the growing trend in European states to provide an opening for a constituent power to be manifested and to fi nd the means to implement the idea of democratic constitutionalism. This idea requires that citizens should be enabled to initiate, deliberate and decide on constitutional changes through the most participatory methods possible. These trends can be seen not only in new democracies in the making but also in established European democratic states with stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law and human rights. However, even the most liberal constitutions are not characterized by heightened opportunities for popular participation in the initiation of changes, participation in the constitutional process or in further development of the constitutional system. 1 Accordingly, the concept of legal constitutionalism presupposes that democratic politics abides by the constitutional limitations set around it. 2 It is therefore worth studying why and how the people can be involved in such tasks and can contribute to constitutional changes within the constitutional boundaries deriving from the amendment procedures stipulated in the constitution itself.
