Domestic Policies: Political Policies
The 1976 Constitution: Institutionalizing One-Party Rule
- Castro promised elections after Batista’s fall, but the first were delayed until 1976.
- The 1976 Constitution declared Cuba a Marxist-Leninist state.
- The PCC was established as “the highest leading force of society and the state.”
- Elections were held, but only PCC-approved candidates could run.
- The PCC became the only legal political organization.
- 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.
Self review
- 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.
- Authoritarian continuity: PCC retained monopoly control; Castro maintained emergency powers overriding the constitution.
- 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.
Self review
- 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?
