ABSTRACT
Brazil is being called upon to construct a new political and institutional order and a new model for development. No doubt, this scheme has imposed two important conditions: political stability, which is a prerequisite for negotiated change, and adaptability of the regime to the dynamic necessities of a developing society. Liberal thought not only gave Brazil its aspirations for independence, but it also provided the democratic conformations of its state, creating a constitution based on the premise of basic rights. Political parties try to give direction to the process of forming the collective will. Therefore, the party must have a platform, a widespread organization, and a solid institutional structure. The ideal of democracy should take on a concrete form when the interest voiced through legitimate channels of expression, like political parties, are met. The essential condition for a free and participative society is an effective combination of economic prosperity, political participation, and democratization of citizenship.
