Power in the Balance: Presidents, Parties, and Legislatures in Peru and Beyond (Kellogg Institute Series on Democracy and Development)

In Power in the Balance: Presidents, Parties, and Legislatures in Peru and Beyond , Barry S. Levitt answers urgent questions about executive power in “new” democracies. He examines in rich detail the case of Peru, from President Alan García’s first term (1985–1990), to the erosion of democracy under President Alberto Fujimori (1990–2000), through the interim government of Valentín Paniagua (2000–2001) and the remarkable, if rocky, renewal of democracy culminating in Alejandro Toledo's 2001–2006 presidency. This turbulent experience with democracy brings into clear focus the functioning of formal political institutions―constitutions and electoral laws, presidents and legislatures, political parties and leaders―while also exposing the informal side of Peru’s national politics over the course of two decades. Levitt's study of politics in Peru also provides a test case for his regional analysis of cross-national differences and change over time in presidential power across eighteen Latin American countries. In Peru and throughout Latin America, Levitt shows, the rule of law itself and the organizational forms of political parties have a stronger impact on legislative-executive relations than do most of the institutional traits and constitutional powers that configure the formal "rules of the game" for high politics. His findings, and their implications for improving the quality of new democracies everywhere, will surprise promoters, practitioners, and scholars of democratic politics alike. Introduction: On Power -- Beyond Formal Rules And Institutions: Theorizing Executive And Legislative Powers -- Constitutions And Constitutionalism In Peru, 1985-2006 -- Party Organizations And Electoral Movements In Peru, 1985-2006 -- Echo Chamber: The Decline And Rise Of Peru's Legislature, 1985-2006 -- Institutionalism And Presidential Power In Latin America -- Conclusion: On Balance. Barry S. Levitt. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Cover Half title Series page Title page Copyright Dedication Contents Tables Figures Acknowledgments 1. Introduction 2. Beyond Formal Rules and Institutions 3. Constitutions and Constitutionalism in Peru,1985–2006 4. Party Organizations and Electoral Movements in Peru, 1985– 2006 5. Echo Chamber? 6. Institutionalism and Presidential Power in Latin America 7. Conclusion Data Appendix Notes References Interviews Conducted by the Author Index Book delivers an important and original analysis of presidential power, legislative-executive relations, party politics, and rule of law in Peru from 1985 through 2006.