Post-scriptum—in light of June 2013 mass protests

Abstract

We argue in this book that over the last two decades or so Brazil has performed surprisingly well, in sharp contrast to previous evaluations and predictions. The country has boasted remarkable, unanticipated levels of institutional strength and democratic stability. We claim that the combination of multiparty presidentialism and postelectoral coalition governments has prevented the sort of abuses that might be seen in single-party majority governments, which usually occur when the governments interpret their election as a blank check by voters to do what the government wants once it is in power, including ignoring the opposition, attempts to control the media, or trying to undermine the independence of institutions providing checks and balance. Considerable good governance has resulted in a fragmented multiparty environment by virtue of a constitutionally strong president checked by reasonably strong institutions for accountability and a competitive media.