The article locates the relationship between the university and society in socio-historical perspective particularly when the political dimension of his work and the defense of autonomy from external powers is observed. We witness a degradation of power and a crisis of political legitimacy, which coincides in Chile, questioning the university system we understand as a pre-constituent moment, that does not express a reformulation of the university system, but if an undermining of their symbolic bases with consequences multiestamental for participation. Restrictions on participation legacy of the military dictatorship and the beginning of greater knowledge, are insufficient to define the legitimate power within the academic processes and address the civic responsibility. We propose the concept of "public university" as a foundation of the university form of politics to contribute to the debate on autonomy, civic education and university participation.