There are Two Prompts Each must be answered with a 1500 word min limit. So 1st prompt 1500 and the 2nd one 1500 words aswell. Please keep it on the same document. PROMPT #1 Define populism and discuss why it is considered a threat to democracy, drawing on Weyland’s analysis of its impact on party systems in Latin America. How does contemporary populism differ from mid-20th-century examples like Peronism, and what are its mechanisms for corroding party systems and weakening democratic governance? Use examples such as Venezuela under Hugo Chávez, Peru since 2000, and El Salvador under Nayib Bukele to explore how charismatic leadership and personalistic polarization undermine institutional stability. Finally, evaluate the long-term implications of “democracy without parties” and propose strategies to counter populism’s corrosive effects on party systems and democratic resilience. 1500 WORD TOTAL FOR PROMPT 1PROMPT 2
Drawing on Christian Houle and Paul D. Kenny’s article, “The Political and Economic Consequences of Populist Rule in Latin America,” critically assess the impact of populism on democracy and governance in the region. Despite its promises of inclusion and redistribution, populist rule often undermines democratic norms and institutional stability. Your essay should seek to address the questions below.
- Define populism according to the article and outline its core promises, emphasizing empowering “the people” and addressing inequality.
- Analyze the findings from the study regarding:
- The erosion of institutional and legal constraints under populist regimes.
- The impact of populism on political participation (turnout).
- The impact of populism on income redistribution. How do left-wing populists fare?
- Conclude by discussing the broader implications of these findings for the future of democracy in Latin America. Propose strategies to counteract the negative consequences of populist governance while addressing the socio-political grievances that fuel its appeal. 1500 WORD TOTAL FOR PROMPT 2