Democracy and Constitution-Making in Chile

Abstract

    For years now, Chile has attempted to break from the legacy of dictator Augusto Pinochet and adopt a new constitution. In December 2023, voters decisively rejected a second constitutional draft. These attempts have afforded Indigenous people in Chile unprecedented recognition in the process, while also contemplating new governmental structures for Chile. This Article assesses Chile’s inclusive and democratic approach to constitution-making and compares similar processes in Egypt, Tunisia, and particularly, the United States. I provide a comprehensive summary of Chile’s political history and apply the reflections of prominent political philosophers to ongoing constitution-making efforts in the country.