Includes bibliographical references and index.

The goals of constitutional processes -- Knowledge, history, and visibility -- Starting conditions -- The forum and the method -- Inclusion and consensus -- Consensus, compromise, clarity, and coherence -- External advice and the participation imperative -- Consensus and defection : the case of Sri Lanka -- Shaping a process -- Processes, good and not so good.

Enhancing prospects for democracy is an important objective in the process of creating a new constitution. Donald L. Horowitz argues that constitutional processes ought to be geared to securing commitment to democracy by those who participate in constitutional processes. Using evidence from numerous constitutional processes, he makes a strong case for a process intended to increase the likelihood of a democratic outcome. He also assesses tradeoffs among various process attributes and identifies some that might impede democratic outcomes.