Includes bibliographical references (p. [213]-231) and index.

Introduction -- Principles of constitutionalism -- Democratic transitions and their legacies in comparative perspective -- Originating participation : the sovereign national conference -- Integrating citizens and the state : decentralization and elections -- Challenges to inclusion : constitutionalism and the rights of women -- Experiments in dialogue -- Dialogue in times of crisis -- Conclusions : dialogue and legitimacy -- Appendix one: data from the question and answer assembly (�Espace d'Interpellation d�emocratique) -- Appendix two: messages received by the Malian National Conference -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index.