Since the institution of the Estates is not intended to ensure that the affairs of the state are deliberated on and decided in the best possible way in themselves — in which respect they constitute merely an additional resource (§ 301) — but its distinguishing function consists in the fact that, through their shared knowledge, shared deliberation, and shared decision concerning universal affairs, the moment of formal freedom attains its right with regard to those members of civil society who do not participate in government, the moment of universal knowledge accordingly first receives its extension through the publicity of the Estates’ proceedings.