[From political pacts to health policy pacts]

The object of this article is the pact policy of the Unified Health System (SUS). The few works available in the literature about health pacts frequently relates them to the principles of SUS consolidation, specifically to the implantation of decentralization. Here, the roots of this policy are evidenced showing how they are linked with the restructuration movement of the proper Brazilian State in the last decades from the 20th century, by democracy rebuilding, federalism and State Reform. During this period, some advances in politics democracy were identified, however a few results in consolidation of social democracy were identified. Health pacts are articulated with social and political pacts, which are essential to make life possible in society, guarantee government legitimacy, governance and public policies effectiveness. Pact is a management mechanism that comprehends permanent negotiation, looking for surpasses intergovernmental conflicts, moderate by solidary responsibility. Throughout negotiation of goals, indicators and actions, pacts consist in a way of accountability and transparency, able to promote social control, and the own government control.