The modern political era essentially began
in 1948, after a short civil war. The leader
of the victorious coalition was to be one
of the greatest figures in the nation's history,
Don Pepe Figueres. He abolished the army and
broke the stronghold of the powerful coffee
oligarchy by nationalizing the banking system.
The country received a progressive constitution
that included a labor code, social security,
and social assistance. (It is somewhat ironic
to note that the government of Calderon Guardia,
that was overthrown, also espoused these reforms.)
From this period until the late 1970's there
was steady growth of the government which
attempted to fulfill its social democratic
contract with the people. It upheld guarantees
of free public education, widespread health
coverage, and a system of pensions. The government
also was the driving force behind modernizing
the nation's economy, during an era when there
was very little capital available for development.
It also controlled various sectors of the
economy, such as banking, petroleum, and utilities.As a result of the governments commitment to broad social welfare Costa Rica boasts one of the highest standards of living in Latin America. Furthermore, the country has been free of the political strife that has plagued most of its neighbors. The nation has an outstanding record for its respect for human rights and has maintained a strong democratic tradition from 1948 to the present day.
However, by the end of the 1970's the government was becoming top heavy; employing between one fifth and one third of the population. Public spending over three decades had created a serious fiscal deficit, and the nation was the first to default on servicing its foreign debt. Although this alarmed the international community, Costa Rica was very fortunate that the United States felt it was important to prop up this democracy to serve as an example to its war torn neighbors. From 1982 to 1990 U.S. AID pumped 1.3 billion dollars into the economy. Something had to give, and the ability of the nation to provide broad social welfare has begun to wane. The 1990's have seen the country drift steadily towards more neoliberal economic practices: promoting the private sector, downsizing government, reducing social spending, and favoring an export oriented economy. The Costa Rican people are beginning to voice their discontent as life becomes more and more expensive. Foreign aid is rapidly drying up, with both the Peace Corps and U.S. AID pulling out their operations in the mid 90's. The burden of sustaining both a growing economy and maintaining social standards at an acceptable level is creating tension in the social fabric. Both major parties are seen as espousing pretty much the same policies, so the populace is feeling like it has few options. Nonetheless, when compared to its neighbor, Nicaragua, conditions are seen as more than desirable; and thousands of illegal immigrants move into the country each year.
The structure of the government is similar to the United States in that it is divided into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. The Legislative Assembly is unicameral and has 57 members. Although the Assembly has more influence than elsewhere in Central America, there is a tendency towards excessive rule by executive decree. (It is interesting to note that 33 of 44 presidents from 1821 to 1970 are descendants of three original colonizers.) The president, as well as the legislators( known as diputados) are limited to one four year term. There are two vice-presidents and a series of ministers who are in charge of departments such as the Ministry of Education, Health, Tourism, etc. The Supreme Court has judges that are elected by the Legislative Assembly to six year terms. However the judges can be reelected and often remain in office for life.
In 1989 a Constitutional Chamber was created, which is charged with the duty of revising all laws to ascertain whether they respect the essence of the country's constitution. It has become somewhat controversial since it can significantly delay the passing of laws.
The Supreme Tribunal of Elections has come to be what some regard as a fourth branch of government. It controls all aspects of the elections, and is even given power to control the security forces for a certain period surrounding election time.
The country is divided into seven provinces, which are further subdivided into 81 cantons. Power at the level of governor is very weak, and there is little confidence by the public, in power at the level of municipalities. Control is in the hands of the central government.
Although small political parties are able to elect representatives to the Legislative Assembly, the National Liberation Party (PLN) and the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) usually have 97% of the votes. The PLN has won seven of the last twelve elections, but in recent times each party seems to hold the presidency for only one term. In 1998 Jose Maria Figueres of the PLN gave up the presidency to Miguel Angel Rodriguez, of PUSC.
Many Costa Ricans vote according to family tradition in which a family stays loyal to a party through generations. Election time often appears to be a time where each party has a fan club, reminiscent of a soccer match. PLN fans wave banners of green and white, and PUSC loyalists wear shirts of blue and red. The ambiance is often festive, and after the contest the people retire to their homes and leave governing in the hands of professional politicians.
There are significant challenges that face
this small country of 3 million inhabitants
at the turn of the millennium. Poverty has
risen, landless peasants are clamoring for
land, the people have rising expectations
during a period of greater scarcity: but,
for the majority, standards of health, education,
and employment are still comparatively high.
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