ON THE STREETS: Interest groups are increasingly taking their demands to Congress. Photo by Roger Hamilton—IDB.

Playing by new rules

One country's evolution toward cleaner, more efficient government and stronger institutions

What makes some governments better than others? Better politicians, of course. In democratic countries this explanation is appealing because it points to a solution if the current government falls short of the ideal. Voters can always "throw the bums out" in the next election, and hopefully the new bunch will be better. ...

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Viewpoint: Democracy and women's participation Hillary Rodham Clinton argues that women must have a more prominent role in politics From the ballot box to the ledger sheet Why some Latin American cities are asking ordinary citizens to decide how public funds should be spent Left and right, but mostly center Even in the heat of crisis, Latin America's political climate is increasingly moderate Sudden surge in women's representation Region is now a world leader at the congressional level