SPECIAL ISSUE The 2016 Italian Constitutional Referendum: Origins, Stakes, Outcome edited by Paolo Passaglia Learning Democracy from the History of Constitutional Reforms by Jörg Luther This article shows how the history of constitutional reforms in Italy helps its people to learn constitutional democracy. This history is first of all a history of the amendment rules that suffered derogations and have not been changed. Two stories must be told: a story of the reforms that have been approved and a story of the unsuccessful reform proceedings. Both stories offer good and bad experiences. The increasing relevance of constitutional referendums shows that the people need better practices in a spirit of deliberative democracy. For the future of the Italian Constitution, a moderate optimism is still appropriate.
