ABSTRACT
Although many Latin Americanists are skeptical of placing much emphasis on constitutions and formal institutions for understanding politics in the region, both play a significant role in shaping politics. The skepticism is merited when we think good constitutional design will ensure good “governance” (a concept analyzed in the chapter), but emergence of political movements demanding constituent assemblies demonstrates that grassroots movements for democracy see the importance of rewiring the rules of the game. Elites often respond with concessions but also seek to structure assemblies to limit redistribution of social and economic power.
