Are the People always wise? Recent referenda and its outcomes in Latin America

The direct participation of the People –mostly through referenda- in the construction of political decisions has increased, and very much exceed the fore imagined limits of its spectrum. These new opportunities always come with different challenges, as well as unexpected risks for democracy and minority rights. Through this paper I look for a common pattern in the processes that have taken place in recent times in Latin American countries. Elements of the analysis will be the political situation, the questions asked, the level of conclusiveness of the People’s answer with respect to the whole decision making process, and the controls established by the very same juridical order.The given experiences enlighten us about the problems and dangers, but as well will give us the chance to rethink the role of the public law and the public actors –People, politicians, judges, etc.- in the whole scenario