Rethinking Presidentialism: Challenges and Presidential Falls in South America

Abstract

Since the South American countries returned to civilian government in the 1970s and 1980s, twenty-three percent of their elected presidents have been forced to leave office before the end of their terms. This striking rate of early presidential exits has received little systematic attention, although it should be central in debates about the quality of democracy and possible instability in presidential systems. Why and how do South Americans demand their presidents leave office early? Since 1978 the most serious challenges have come from civilian actors, in the legislature, on the streets, or both together. The challenged presidents were more likely to be personally implicated in scandal, to pursue neoliberal policies, and to lack a congressional majority than their unchallenged counterparts. The presence or absence of street protests then played a cen tral role in determining which presidents actually fell.

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