ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the first and most important principle of Thriving Democracies: Citizens decide on how they govern themselves. They deliberate, design and determine the democracy they want to live in. Applying legal language, citizens are the main authors in the constitutional moment. They have substantial and significant say in the drafting, the deliberating and the decisions on constitutions. This chapter provides normative as well as empirical arguments substantiating this principle. It argues normatively that self-governing should not only refer to policies but must address the heart of democracy—the constitution. It claims and explores the idea that constitutions developed via participatory procedures counter many of the current democratic malaises, improve political satisfaction and democratic stability, enhance the level of democracy and spark the democratic spirit.
