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Conclusion:
The Role of Government in Institutionalizing
Democratic Governance
Daniel W. Fisk
During the last 30 years, Latin America by and large witnessed the
acceptance of elections as a regular exercise to select leaders and
legitimize governmental authority. While countries in Latin America
continue to define their respective democratic models, there is a
growing appreciation for—and value placed upon—democratic
institutions and broader citizen participation. Accompanying this is
an ever-increasing demand for democratic governance and effective
administration. Citizens throughout the hemisphere have shown their
willingness to participate in the development of their countries and to
organize around issues of common concern. The region’s citizens are
interested in knowing what their government is doing. More citizens
of the hemisphere are today participating in the political and economic
decision-making process of their respective countries than ever before.
In response to this new culture of citizen participation, and recognizing
the maxim that “the true test of a good government is its aptitude
and tendency to produce a good administration,” many regional
governments have taken measurable steps towards deepening their
country’s democratic culture and have worked towards institutionalizing
