es had been neutralized, and there was no other political group capable of offering the necessary leadership to all Cubans. Coercion was the only path open to the dictatorship in dealing with the revolutionary forces of the opposition, who were able to embody popular aspirations and turn the revolution into a truly popular one. Clientelism had prevented the development of a democratic process in Cuba before 1959, and its breakdown created new hopes for change. These ideas were verbalized as Castro was committed to political democracy and social reforms. Cuba now has an authoritarian political system that combines a highly restricted structure of policymaking authority in which some 22 individuals participate regularly in setting national policy and a decentralized system of policy implementation that has involved substantial popular participation at the local level. (Rudolph 47)
             The Constitution under which Cuba currently operates was written in 1976 and is based largely on the 1936 Constitution of the Soviet Union (see more on Soviet influence under Policy). Cuba has declared a socialist republic in which "all power belongs to the working people." Unity of power and democratic centralism are identified in the Constitution as well. The official functions of the state listed are the "construction of socialism," the defense of the country, the guaranteeing of the liberty and rights of citizens and the "fulfillment of their duties and personality," the "consolidation of a collective ideology by the people," the protection of the nation's property, and the planning and administering of its economy. The state is also responsible for providing employment and access to education, culture, and sports for all, as well as for the care of children and the sick and disabled. (Rudolph 162)
             The Executive Council of State consists of eight players of the Cuban government. Fidel Castro Ruz is President with his brother General Ra...