Democracia e as agendas reformistas na América Latina

This article discusses the reformist programs in Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela, during 21 st century, and their conjunctural limitations. In this context, economic, judicial, political and social issues of domestic and international order are analysed as factors of contradiction that explain the maintenance of capitalist system and the difficult to fully fulfil the democratic regime in the region. Considering the particularities of each State under review, it is notable that, despite the reforms carried out, indelible aspects of the institutional structure have not been altered, which, consequently, limits the practical application of what is proposed.