Effettività del principio democratico e democrazia deliberativa: il percorso di istituzionalizzazione di una sperimentazione locale

The article aimes to investigate whether and how the institutionalization of deliberative processes should contribute to promote the effectiveness of democratic principle, as conceived by the Italian Constitution. By analysing a deliberative democracy case study in Novara, the authors suggest some necessary conditions for the institutionalization of deliberative practices, as well as some implications for further research and democratic participation policies. Taking into account that public deliberation practices are more than mere consultation exercises, the article shows such processes can foster the citizens’engagement on common issues and objectives, especially because these practices help individuals to rediscover reasons and meanings of democratic participation. A similar way to conceive and to implement the institutionalization of the deliberation practices could revitalize democratic processes, mainly through the building of community ties and the establishing lasting connection between citizen concerns and policy-making.