Participation is the process that guarantees the involvement in decision-making, implementation and evaluation of public action based on the right of information on issues of public interest and on the capacity of civil society to control the public power. All of this implies an effective collusion between government and society under a democratic logic based on the exercise of citizenship and not under the arbitrary and authoritarian patronage logic. Participation as an ongoing process that promotes dialogue and evaluation of public action in accordance with the general interest is a right that underpins the proper functioning of democracy, which guarantees the principle of transparency and also, the effectiveness, efficiency and, equity of management. Social inclusion is the basis of citizen participation in a social State of Law and enables a virtuous relationship between citizens and the institutions of public administration. The deepening of democracy requires the reduction of social inequalities as a condition for strengthening citizenship to collaborate in the development and management of public policies. The State in Latin America is presented with the challenge of ensuring the impact of citizen participation in these policies to foster economic development, expand social welfare and democratize the public space.
