Essay on Is Democracy Sustainable in Latin America

Is Democracy Sustainable in Latin America? In order to determine if democracy is sustainable in Latin America, it is important to understand or at least have an idea of what democracy is. There are several types of democracy and each is different. According to the English dictionary, democracy is â€Å" a government by the people; especially: rule of the majority by a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections and the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges (Webster’s Dictionary). It is a common view among American†¦show more content†¦Colonial ideas of fueros, caste systems, and church ideologies during the inquisition, have influenced Latin America socially. Economically Spanish mercantilism has made Latin America dependent on outside res ources and has given rise to corruption and a loss of trust in the government. In order to have sustainable democracy it is necessary to have the support of the people. The society must support the idea of government in which, †there is an absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges.† Fueros, caste, and church ideologies still impact present day Latin American society. During Spanish rule, government officials and military officials had â€Å"fueros,† or special immunity from prosecution. Fueros still exist today in Latin America and give no recourse for complaints of the population. This situation instills hopelessness in the society overall. A democracy cannot exist, even through elections, if the elite rules it. In order for a democracy to be sustained, the government must be kept in check if not through constitutional powers then the people must check it. A democracy should have an educated populace; people should constantly qu estion their surroundings to keep a government in check (Aristotle). Latin America must be capable of producing a literate and educated population. Church control of information and perhaps the desire of the elite to keep the population under control have kept a large majority of theShow MoreRelatedThe Influential Example Of Costa Rica973 Words   |  4 PagesCosta Rica is the country’s brand; it tries to â€Å"sell† and promote Costa Rica as a high tech industry and innovative country, it showcases the nation ´s advanced export capacity as well as its leadership in protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable development. Essential Costa Rica aims to promote the country as a destination for investment and tourism by highlighting the nation’s main characteristics, which sets it apart from its neighboring countries. 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