Chile: The multi-party excepti

A detailed Summary of Chile: The multi-party excepti

It is quite difficult to argue Arturo Valenzuela's theoretical analysis that Presidentialism provides the fuel for political instability and in turn inhibits the democratization process. He claims that the combination of a multiparty system and a presidential system is disadvantageous to a stable democracy. Is it safe to assume that a "successful democratic government results from the translation of diverse societal options into majority options, either through the election of a majority party or the creation of a majority coalition?" It has almost undoubtedly been proven that without at least an implicit majority support, a government and it's president falls. It is very rare that a minority president in Latin America survives. The weakness and downfall of a presidential system is the failure to control a cooperative and functional, congressional majority. This is a problem faced by many multi-party systems. In fact, Scott Mainwaring implies that among all the cases of "stable" presidential democracies in Latin America, only one, the Chilean, had a multiparty system. The following essay will evaluate the history of the presidential system in Chile. Furthermore, it will assess the validity of Valenzuela's main argument t

Since 1830, Chile experienced only " thirteen months of unconstitutional rule under some sort of junta, and only four months under a junta dominated by military." From 1830 to 1973 all Chilean presidents were followed in office by their appropriately elected successors, not necessarily through fair elections though. Before 1973, there was a high success and a stable and uninterrupted case of democratic rule. In fact, Kenneth A. Bollen's study in 1965 hypothesizes that Chile was in the top 15% on a scale of political democracy. So what does this imply? Does this possibly suggest that Chile survived the transition to a multiparty presidential institution or does it mean that there were just constant peaceful exchanges in power?

The next transition to a new president would be quite complicated. Many rejected the candidacy of Manuel Montt. This transition phase was happening simultaneously as the Chilean state was becoming stronger and expanding. The states expansion did not win the favor of traditional landowners, the Church, and other regional interest groups. In opposition to Montt's administration came the formation of the country's first real opposition party, the Conservatives. They were destined to conserve traditional order and defend the interests of the state and the church. Similarly, the Liberals arose from this time period, preaching suffrage, decentralization, and democratization. Finally in 1859, a "disparate coalition" of aristocratic Conservatives, Radicals, and other regional groups challenged the government through an armed struggle (this was the result of state intervention in the legislative electoral process). There was no hope for the coalition movement. The government was too powerful. The only solution was to try and pass legislation to increase suffrage rights. There were no ideological conversions, as the liberals made alliances with the Conservatives. Both parties realized that representative institutions would be most viable and would allow them to finally have some sort of say in governmental reforms and eventually watch the "pragmatic" liberal's influence disintegrate. Extended suffrage was not granted though, as the Montt administration was aware of the alliance's intentions. As of this point in history, the multiparty uprisings had no immediate profound effects on the President. He and his party still dominated the political arena.

Finally in 1874, the Electoral Reform was enacted which " tripled the electorate from 50,000 to 150,000 voters over the 1872 total." Public officials came to accept the legitimacy of suffrage. They also pressed for other reforms, which restricted presidential powers, enacted a five-year term limit, and restricted his veto power. Chile also established the secret ballot in 1874, which helped enact some sense of public participation and politic

Some common words found in the essay are:
Latin American, Manuel Bulnes, Conservatives Radicals, Latin America, Arturo Valenzuela's, Electoral Reform, Kenneth Bollen's, Frei Notice, Confederation Prieto, Manuel Montt, presidential institution, latin america, presidential system, chilean government, opposition montt's administration, party system, coalition party, majority rule, majority coalition, political system, main argument, country's real opposition,

Approximate Word count = 1924
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

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