In a global context marked by institutional uncertainty and growing civic disenchantment, this book offers a rigorous reflection on two foundational models of political organization: representative and participatory democracy. Through a theoretical-conceptual lens, María Isabel Puerta Riera examines the philosophical roots, structural tensions, and potential convergences between these democratic frameworks. The author not only revisits classical and modern traditions of democratic thought but also engages critically with the Venezuelan case, highlighting the impact of the 1999 Constitution and the role of participation as a tool for political transformation. This work is a valuable resource for students, researchers, and engaged citizens seeking to revitalize the democratic ideal from a pluralistic, critical, and Latin American perspective.