Vanishing Point
Abstract
Abstract This chapter explores some of the ways in which a constitutional order centred on popular authority depends on its citizens’ capacity and inclination to project into the future. The analysis focuses in particular on how the imagined world-to-come can act as a source of legitimacy, as an inspiration to collective self-rule, and also as a way to contend with political disagreement. As the chapter goes on to suggest, this perspective on constituent power brings out its character as a forward-looking process, while it also highlights some of the challenges that arise when confidence in the future wanes.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Political Theory and Democracy
Comparative constitutional jurisprudence studies
American Constitutional Law and Politics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Oxford University Press eBooks
- Pages
- 741–750
- Publication date
- 24 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter