Pinochet's Constitution (1980)

Pinochet's Constitution of 1980 was a legal framework established after Augusto Pinochet's military coup in 1973, designed to legitimize his authoritarian rule. It concentrated power in the executive branch, limited the role of Congress, and protected military and conservative interests. The constitution included provisions for a controlled electoral process, a strong presidency, and restrictions on political freedoms, with the aim of stabilizing Pinochet's government and ensuring long-term military influence. Although it was approved via a controversial referendum, it has been criticized for entrenching authoritarian features and limiting democratic governance in Chile until subsequent reforms in the 1990s.