The construction of the rule of law in Argentina - A tale of two provinces

Subnational comparison can help analyze how nascent democracies construct the rule of law. Variation in judicial autonomy across two neighboring Argentine provinces is a function of interparty competition. The rule of law results from a balance of power between at least two political parties, neither of which has monolithic control; no highly disciplined party sustains control of both the legislative and executive branches. Effective party competition and low party discipline create a climate in which an autonomous judiciary can develop. In contrast, monolithic party control, defined as a prolonged period of unified government under a disciplined party, blocks development of the rule of law.