Spanish and Russian History: Key Political Concepts

Posted on Aug 17, 2025 in Law & Jurisprudence

Spanish Restoration Politics: Key Questions

Is the text’s tone positive or negative regarding the political system?
Who were criticized for their negative influence? The oligarchs and the civil governor, the Cacique.
What is the author’s opinion on the system of government?
Which classes and conservative governors were responsible for falsifying the people’s votes?
Was political life solely dominated by the Cacique system?
What other aspects were not controlled by this system? Military service.
During the Restoration era, were there elections, universal suffrage, and democracy? If not, why do you think the government decided on elections?
Why was the Turnismo system so durable, and why did it cause a period of stability?

Why was there a lack of widespread resistance or demands for the Tsar’s removal in earlier stages?
In what terms did the demonstrators address the Tsar? With respect and begging.
What did they ask the Tsar for? Freedom of expression, freedom of thought, freedom of association, universal suffrage, and a constitutional assembly for the Russian parliament.
What arguments were used to convince the Tsar? They emphasized their humiliation and the need for a constituent institution to involve the people.
When did the constituent assembly take place? What rights were banned for Russians in 1905?
What were the causes of the February Revolution of 1917? The moral indifference and disregard for the country’s future.
Which of the Tsar’s promises failed? Promises of praise and freedom of rights.
What were the consequences? It led to the February and October Revolutions of 1917.

What was the historical context of Lenin’s rise? Amidst civil war and the development of Communism.
What was Lenin’s view on parliamentary democracy? He considered it a lie, false, and only for a minority (the rich and spectators).
What is the dictatorship of the proletariat? It is a political transition period from capitalist society to a communist society.
What ideological sources underlie the dictatorship of the proletariat? It is based on Marx’s ideological sources, which defend revolution and the dictatorship of the proletariat.

A) National Sovereignty: In which article is national sovereignty established? What does it signify? Article 3 states that the right to establish fundamental laws belongs to the nation.
B) Separation of Powers: What was the separation of powers like? Who held each power? Articles 15, 16, and 17 outline that courts make laws, and the king executes them, enforcing laws. Was this a practice of absolute monarchs? Judicial power belongs only to the courts, not to kings.
What personal freedoms are included? Individual freedom and freedom of expression.
Do you think kings had much authority? Yes, from that time, the Spanish monarch was solely responsible for executing laws, although he also participated in their elaboration; courts made the laws.

Historical Stage: This period includes the Trienio Liberal (1820-1823) and the end of absolutism.
What was the political context of Document 5? The Constitution of Cadiz.
What political circumstances are related to Document 6? The restoration of absolutism.
What does Document 5 refer to regarding the king? The king’s actions during the writing of the constitution, attacking the French and English.
Did the king participate in the process of creating the constitution? Why? No, he did not accept the constitution.
What reasons explain why he swore the constitution? Do you think he was sincere? Citizens were in need of his maximum support. No, because it was the absolutist era.
What does Document 6 refer to when the king speaks of March? What is your opinion? It refers to the Constitution of Cadiz, 1812, which he felt betrayed him. He declared all acts of the so-called constitutional government invalid and of no value.
Was an oath taken? No.
Which of the two documents best expresses the king’s true thoughts? Why? Document 6, because he did not support the constitution but was forced to accept it initially.

Under what political context was the 1869 Constitution enacted? During the Provisional Government after the Glorious Revolution of 1868.
What was the political situation before its enactment? The previous period was marked by Liberal rule and the Carlist Wars, leading to the Glorious Revolution.
Which article defines the legislature? Article 1.2.
Who held legislative power? Legislative power was shared between the Cortes (parliament) and the King, with the Cortes having significant authority.
What was a key difference in the legislative process compared to other constitutions? It established a more progressive legislative framework, including universal male suffrage.
Is there a division of powers in this constitution? Yes, there is a division of powers in the 1869 Constitution, unlike the 1845 Constitution.
In which constitution does the king have greater powers? The 1845 Constitution (moderate) compared to the 1869 Constitution (democratic).