Fidel Castro concentrated power, holding multiple roles: head of state, head of government, commander-in-chief, and First Secretary of the PCC.
The 1976 Constitution created the National Assembly of People’s Power as a legislative body.
Assembly met only twice a year for 4–5 days.
Membership composed entirely of PCC-endorsed candidates.
Provincial and municipal assemblies also operated under the one-party system.
The electoral system functioned more as legitimacy for the regime than as true democratic participation.
Theory of Knowledge
Why do you think Castro insisted on having elections even when they are not truly democratic?
To what extent can elections in a one-party system be considered a legitimate form of political expression?
Can a population be politically informed while living under a system that restricts political pluralism?
Case study
Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power
The National Assembly of People’s Power is Cuba’s sole legislature, formally empowered to pass laws, amend the constitution, and approve budgets and plans.
Meets twice a year; in between, the 31-member Council of State holds legislative authority.
Assembly has 470 deputies, elected for five-year terms from local wards.
Despite elections, no political pluralism exists, the PCC is the only legal party and opposition is banned.
Active recall
Revise what was happening in Cuba around 1976 in economic terms.
Can you find some link between economic decay and the creation of the Constitution?
The Special Period: Cosmetic Reforms
1992 constitutional reform: Dropped references to the global socialist bloc to attract investment; legalized freedom of religion, allowing believers to join the PCC. Sparked modest religious revival.
Political reforms: Direct elections for National Assembly deputies introduced, but all candidates required PCC approval → no multiparty democracy.
Restrictions: Freedom of assembly, protest, and press curtailed; all media state-controlled; independent political activity banned.
Bureaucracy: Expanded after 1968 Revolutionary Offensive; created inefficiency but guaranteed employment and dependency on the state.
State dominance: By 1980s, government was the largest employer, blocking emergence of an independent private sector.
Castro’s leadership: Retained personal control of military, executive, and PCC despite constitutional structures; cult of personality prevented institutional autonomy.
Active recall
While preparing your notes, assess the role of domestic, social and political policies in the rule of Castro.
What seems to be the most important reason why Castro is able to maintain power?