Colonial Legacies & Inequality
A country’s land and wealth remain concentrated among a small elite long after independence. What historical legacy best explains this pattern?
Colonial inequality, or extractive colonial institutions.
A government restricts opposition, civil liberties, and elections while retaining some institutions. What type of regime is this?
An authoritarian regime.
A politician gives jobs or material benefits to supporters in exchange for votes. What practice is this?
Clientelism.
A government protects domestic industries from foreign competition to produce goods at home. What model is this?
Import-substitution industrialization, or ISI.
Which evidence best supports the claim that colonial legacies still shape politics today?
Persistent unequal landownership and the exclusion of Indigenous communities.
Why might an authoritarian government permit limited press freedom or legal opposition without becoming democratic?
To reduce pressure and gain legitimacy while retaining control.
Why does clientelism weaken democratic accountability?
Voters evaluate private benefits rather than policy performance and public goods.
The Pink Tide emerged partly because citizens believed neoliberal reforms increased inequality. Name one reason this could translate into support for left-wing candidates.
Any one: inequality, poverty, exclusion, weakened public services, unemployment or insecurity, or distrust of established parties.
Why can economic growth coexist with persistent inequality?
Growth may concentrate gains among elites, sectors, or regions without redistribution.
A transitional government must choose between immediately prosecuting former military leaders and negotiating limits on prosecution. What dilemma does this illustrate?
The tension between justice and accountability, and political stability.
Give two factors that help explain why political parties in Latin America often become weak or fail to represent citizens effectively.
Any two: personalistic leaders, clientelism, fragmentation, low trust, weak party institutions, unequal resources, or weak programmatic platforms.
ISI initially promoted industrialization. Why did it later create difficulties in many countries?
Protected industries became inefficient, imports and debt grew, and domestic markets remained limited.
A country holds elections, but poverty, racism, or land inequality leave groups without meaningful political voice. What democratic problem does this reveal?
Formal political equality exists, but substantive political inclusion is weak.
During a transition, which actors support a negotiated opening with the opposition, and which resist it to preserve authoritarian control?
Soft-liners support a negotiated opening; hard-liners resist it.
When do you need to submit your presentation?
One day before presenting, no later than 6:00 p.m.
The Pink Tide reduced poverty and expanded social programs in several countries. Why did it not produce full regional integration?
Countries retained different interests, economic structures, and political priorities; regional disparities persisted.