In 1999, the Chávez administration initiated elections for a constituent assembly, which was a significant political maneuver. This assembly, however, acted against a previous ruling from the supreme court that limited its powers. By doing so, it granted itself the authority to dissolve existing state institutions, including the judiciary, further consolidating power within the government.

This event illustrates a critical moment in Venezuela's political history, highlighting how a government can exploit legal mechanisms to undermine democratic institutions. Steven Levitsky's analysis in "How Democracies Die" emphasizes the risks associated with such moves, as they can pave the way for authoritarianism under the guise of democratic processes.