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How not to write a constitution: lessons from Chile

Author

Listed:
  • Guillermo Larrain

    (University of Chile)

  • Gabriel Negretto

    (Pontifical Catholic University of Chile)

  • Stefan Voigt

    (University of Hamburg
    CES-Ifo)

Abstract

On September 4, 2022, Chilean voters massively turned down a constitutional proposal that responded to widely shared criticisms of the 1980 constitution and emerged from a consensual and participatory process. This result is paradoxical because ex ante, the odds seemed largely in favor of changing the status quo. We argue that three factors, which derived from the interaction between rules and political contingency, explain the outcome: a Convention under the control of party-less independents, the exceptional underrepresentation of the political right, and a highly decentralized and public writing process. We extract some lessons from the failed experience that can be useful for countries seeking to deepen democratization through constitutional change and for a future constitution-making process in Chile.

Suggested Citation

  • Guillermo Larrain & Gabriel Negretto & Stefan Voigt, 2023. "How not to write a constitution: lessons from Chile," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 194(3), pages 233-247, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:pubcho:v:194:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s11127-023-01046-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11127-023-01046-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Negretto, Gabriel L. & Sánchez-Talanquer, Mariano, 2021. "Constitutional Origins and Liberal Democracy: A Global Analysis, 1900–2015," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 115(2), pages 522-536, May.
    3. Brennan, Geoffrey & Kliemt, Hartmut, 1994. "Finite Lives and Social Institutions," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 47(4), pages 551-571.
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    5. Negretto, Gabriel L. & Sánchez-Talanquer, Mariano, 2021. "Constitutional Origins and Liberal Democracy: A Global Analysis, 1900–2015 — ERRATUM," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 115(3), pages 1110-1110, August.
    6. Stephan Michel & Ignacio N. Cofone, 2017. "Majority Rules in Constitutional Referendums," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 70(3), pages 402-424, August.
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