Constitution Quote by Emma Bonino
“Drafting a constitution is only the first step. The constitution has to be granted legitimacy by open discussion and a fair, representative referendum.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: European Parliament Address on Constitutional Reform, 2018
A constitution must gain legitimacy through inclusive debate and fair voting, not just drafting.
In simple terms: Legitimacy needs public participation.
Key Takeaway
Promote open discussion.
Themes
politics
law
democracy
Mood
serious
hopeful
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- constitutional conventions
- public forums
- citizen assemblies
Key Concepts
legitimacy
participation
referendum
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure truly representative referenda?
- What safeguards protect democratic legitimacy?
A Different Perspective
Referendums can be manipulated by elites.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
