Our project examines the role that congresses and parliaments had in the government of the region and in fostering a democratic culture in 19th century Latin America. It explores the origins and development of parliamentary cultures in Chile, Colombia, and Argentina, analysing the ideas, attitudes, practices, and beliefs that informed and gave meaning to congressional procedures.
Congresses were not mere rubber stamps of the executive. More often than is recognised, congresses and parliaments took key decisions, exercised more power than the executive in some periods, and were site of important political debates among congressmen and members of the executive. These discussions were closely followed by the public and the press, highlighting their broader political significance.
Despite the important role played by congresses during that period, however, the subject remains understudied. Thus, the project studies the commonalities and distinctive features of constituent assemblies and regular legislatures that functioned during the 19th century; the discussion and negotiation practices that took shape during the different periods; the changes in parliamentary rhetoric and procedure; and the ways congressmen related with each other, with the cabinet members, and with the public.
Many of our participants contribute to the research network "History of Parliaments in Latin America", through which they have organised panels at LASA and other discussions on this topic. You can learn more about "History of Parliaments in Latin America" here: History of Parliaments in Latin America | Faculty of History
