Understanding Government and Politics: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Why was the Declaration of Independence written? Explain how the Social Contract was violated and what happened
To break apart from Great Britain
Revolt-Start a New Government
2. According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the main purpose of government and what should the people do if government fails that objective?
Protect your natural rights (life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness)
Revolt
3. Explain why the Articles of Confederation failed
4. Explain how each form of government
Read MoreUnification of Italy, Germany, and Spanish Independence War
Baiona:
Baiona was the main port in southern Galicia and northern Portugal, and the most difficult maritime point to combat. It contributed to the reconquest of Vigo.
Italian Unification:
In 1848, Italy was divided into 7 kingdoms. There was a desire to unify the country, but there were debates about the leadership. The king of Piedmont, governed by the house of Savoy, was eventually chosen.
- 1st Stage (1859-1861):
Piedmont and Prime Minister Cavour received support from France. The Austrians were defeated,
Read MoreFrench Control of Spain: The Rise and Fall of José Bonaparte
How did the French take control of Spain?
In 1788, Carlos IV became King of Spain, but his valido, Manuel Godoy, governed the country. At the end of the 18th century, there was a revolution in France and a republic was formed. In 1808, Godoy allowed French troops to enter Spain on their way to conquer Portugal. However, the French leader, Napoleon, deposed King Carlos IV and made his brother, José Bonaparte, King of Spain.
The Spanish War of Independence
The presence of French troops in Madrid caused
Read MoreBasque Declarations: Añoveros Sermon & Bayonne Pact
Importance of the Bayonne Pact
This text signified an endorsement of the Basque Government “as a legitimate representation of the Basque people.” Its aim was to restore the unity of Basque institutions in exile to confront the Francoist regime. It demonstrated the support given to the Basque government in exile to manage this new situation.
At this point, the most important thing was to restore democracy, leaving the interests of the parties aside. The recovery of democratic freedoms was prioritized
Powers of the British Prime Minister: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
In Great Britain, the appointment of the Prime Minister is not explicitly explained in the constitution or law. The concept of a Prime Minister has evolved over centuries of constitutional changes. In practice, the appointment of the Prime Minister is based on convention. It is an accepted convention that the British King/Queen invites the person who commands a majority in the House of Commons to form a government. Thus, the British King/Queen appoints the Prime Minister from the House
Read MoreThe Political Landscape of Spain: From Franco’s Dictatorship to Basque Autonomy
Franco’s Dictatorship and Political Repression
Franco established several laws to create the political institutions of his dictatorship, including:
- The Law of the Cortes: This law ensured no representatives were elected by popular suffrage. Instead, they represented a single ideology and served only as an advisory body.
- Spanish Charter: This document claimed to grant Spaniards “rights,” but these rights were not genuine.
- Law on Referenda: This law granted Franco the authority to hold public consultations.