MEANINGFUL PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AS THE ESSENCE OF CONSTITUTIONALISM IN LAW MAKING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65244/jggls.v2i2.487Keywords:
Constitutionalism, deliberative democracy, law making, public participationAbstract
Discourse on constitutionalism often emphasizes the existence of a written constitution as the foundation of democratic governance. Yet, constitutionalism is not merely about the text but it is about the lived practices that give substance to constitutional ideals. This article interrogates the extent to which participation moves beyond symbolic consultation to become a substantive mechanism that embodies constitutionalism in practice. The central research question is how can meaningful public participation be conceptualized and operationalized as the essence of constitutionalism in legislative processes? It examines constitutional provisions, statutory frameworks, and judicial interpretations in selected jurisdictions. The analysis is enriched by theoretical frameworks of deliberative democracy and participatory constitutionalism, which highlight the normative value of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in law making. The article concludes that embedding meaningful public participation transforms law-making from a formal exercise of authority into a constitutional practice that legitimizes governance, strengthens democracy.
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