The chapter introduces the theoretical roots of the methodological traditions cross-fertilized in the book, opening up the core assumptions of discursive institutionalism and ethnomethodological studies of social action. Despite their many differences, actor-centred view, intentionality, goal-orientation and cultural reflexivity serve to unite these traditions. The conceptualizations and six empirical case studies from Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Portugal and Russia concentrate on discursive strands of political action enacted through various democratic practices The book is structured in three sections to explore moral casting on different democratic arenas, starting from the framework of elite democracy, continuing with public discussion in deliberative democracy, and concluding with the framework of participatory democracy among citizens. Overall the studies highlight how normative ideals and expectations associated with these parallel sites of democratic action underpin the discursive strategies that political actors mobilize in the policy debates, media texts and online videos.