The effects of party system on cabinet formation and survival in Argentina, Chile, and Peru (1980-2024)

The seminar discusses the findings of a study conducted by by Hugo Jofré Rodríguez.

Abstract

This study examines how party system shapes cabinet recruitment and ministerial survival in Argentina, Chile, and Peru from 1980 to 2023. Despite low public trust, parties remain key for elite recruitment. Here, we try to answer the following question: How does the party system affect the process of recruiting ministers for the presidential cabinet and their survival? With data from 1,189 ministers, the research analyzes how different party systems influence the selection and trajectories of cabinet members. Findings show that weakly institutionalized systems rely more on technocrats and non-partisan elites, reducing the role of political parties in recruitment. In contrast, Chile’s stable system favors partisan appointments, Argentina displays hybrid patterns, and Peru depends largely on independents and technocrats. While recruitment reflects party system strength, survival dynamics are more complex, suggesting additional factors beyond institutionalization.