The Chilean National Congress and the exercise of legislative and oversight functions (1990-2006)

Abstract

This article analyzes the activity of the Chilean Congress since 1990 with regard to the fulfillment of its legislation and scrutiny functions as well as the reforms introduced to its normative framework, specially the constitutional reform of 2005. The objective of this paper, which is based on empirical data as well as legal analysis, is to deliver a broad vision about the role the Congress has played in the Chilean decision making process since the return to democracy. In particular, we argue that since 1990 the Congress has increased its capacity to influence the legislative domain as well as other domains such as the nomination of public authorities. At the same time, we argue that with the 2005 reform, the Congress possesses better scrutiny instruments, although their real effectiveness will be known only when we acquired better empirical information.