Representative Government: Evolution from Ancient to Modern Democracy
Representative Government and the Modern State
Representative democracy was built on the political unity paradigm of modernity: the nation-state, which redefined the political institutions of the Middle Ages to adapt to new social and political conditions. It operated under two principles of the republican tradition: the primacy of law and the limitation of power. Political modernity disrupted the principle of legitimacy of the Middle Ages and replaced it with the principle of individual consent.
Alternation of Power: Dynastic Parties in Spain
The Alternation of Power: Dynastic Parties
The Dynastic Parties: Cánovas was the main leader of the Alfonsino party. After the return of Alfonso XII, it became known as the Liberal-Conservative Party, and later simply the Conservative Party. The bipartisan system required another party, more progressive, which led Cánovas to propose Sagasta for the role. An agreement between Progressive Unionists and some Liberals was then established. Both Conservatives and Liberals defended the monarchy, the
Read MoreElectoral Law in Spain: Principles and Historical Evolution
Unit 1: Introduction to Electoral Law
Electoral law is one of the most important foundations for democracy. Article 1.2 of the Spanish Constitution refers to a democratic principle: sovereignty belongs to the people, and from the people emanate all powers. Public officials’ ownership is only legitimate insofar as it is an expression of popular will. The town, as the electoral body, is directly responsible for elections to fulfill some very important functions:
- With or without substitution, this government
British Government Structure: Prime Minister, Civil Service, and Political Parties
British Government Structure
The British government includes private secretaries, deputies elected by the Premier to act as intermediaries between the Minister and parliamentarians. Finally, the Whips or parliamentary secretaries are responsible for ensuring the discipline of the elected members of the party.
The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister is the linchpin of the British governmental structure. Its origin dates back to 1701. Traditionally, the party leader of the parliamentary majority becomes
Read MoreSpanish Political Landscape: From UCD’s Demise to PP’s Rise
The Decline of the UCD and the Rise of New Parties
The Union of Democratic Center (UCD) experienced very poor results, which led to its demise as a political force. Adolfo Suarez attempted to revive the political center by establishing the Social Democratic Center (CDS).
The Communist Party and the Left
The PCE’s parliamentary representation was reduced to four deputies, causing its historic leader to resign. This led to a major crisis within the Communist Party. Mid-decade, a coalition of leftist
Read MoreRise of the Nazi Party in Germany: 1929-1933
The Rise of the Nazi Party in Germany: 1929-1933
When the effects of the 1929 crisis began to be felt, large landowners, industrialists, the main sectors of the army, and President Hindenburg himself sought a substitute for the Social Democrat Hermann Müller in the Chancellery. In 1930, Heinrich Brüning, a former official and parliamentary leader of the Zentrum, was appointed. He inaugurated the presidential government, relying on the extraordinary powers provided in Article 48, provided that the
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