Why did Karl vom Stein believe citizens should participate in public affairs?

Karl vom Stein believed that for a state to be healthy and efficient, there must be an organic relationship between the government and its population, necessitating that citizens participate in public affairs.1

His rationale for this involvement was rooted in the following principles:

• Civic Development: Stein hoped that the practice of self-government would foster civic-mindedness (Bürgersinn) and community spirit (Gemeingeist) among the populace.1
• Alignment of Interests: By engaging in the state's affairs, he believed citizens would be encouraged to adopt the interests of the state as their own.1
• Ethical Responsibility: Influenced by his upbringing and studies, Stein viewed the duty of devoting one's life to the community's needs as a moral imperative, eventually establishing participation in public life as a moral postulate.1

Through his reforms, such as the Municipal Ordinance of 1808, he sought to enable citizens to manage local affairs, thereby revitalizing the state from within.1