Venezuelan Government: 1936–1958

Posted on May 2, 2024 in History

Constitutional Government of Rómulo Gallegos (1948)

Following the December elections, Rómulo Gallegos secured a significant victory with 871,752 votes, far surpassing his closest competitor, Rafael Caldera, who received 262,204 votes.

The Military Junta (1948–1950)

Despite the establishment of a democratic government, Venezuela’s democratic structure during this period remained fragile. The government faced persistent subversive threats, and ultimately, the fate of democracy was jeopardized by the ambitions of a military faction.

Key Actions of the Governing Board

  1. Expulsion of key government officials and prominent leaders of Democratic Action.
  2. Outlawing and dissolution of two political organizations on May 13, 1950.
  3. Stagnation of national development programs and educational policies.
  4. Halting of budget allocations for national development, including the Venezuelan Corporation building program.
  5. Dissolution of union bodies and persecution, imprisonment, or exile of their leaders.

Second Phase of the Military Government (1950–1952)

The assassination of Carlos Delgado Chalbaud, president of the military junta government, led to a shift in the character and direction of the provisional government.

Important Aspects of the Statute

  1. Direct Election: Representatives of the people at all levels (national, state, and municipal) were to be directly elected, including the president of the republic.
  2. Mandatory Suffrage: Exercise of the right to vote was made compulsory.

Government of Marcos Pérez Jiménez (1953–1958)

On January 5, 1953, the Constituent Assembly convened in Caracas with members elected by the Independent Electoral Front (FEI). Notably, members elected by COPEI and URD did not attend in protest of the handling of the election results.

Military Emphasis

The government prioritized the acquisition of modern weaponry to bolster the regime’s defense capabilities.

Cronyism and Nepotism

The practice of favoritism based on personal relationships became widespread, fueling a growing desire for freedom among the populace.

The Constitutions of 1936 and 1947

These constitutions emerged from a shared aspiration among both rulers and the ruled for a government that would achieve genuine popular representation within a democratic republican system.

The Constitution of 1936

While reflecting the new ruling class’s adherence to the law, the 1936 constitution did not fully align with the people’s aspirations or democratic principles, particularly in matters related to elections. Key points include:

  1. Absence of direct and universal suffrage.
  2. No provision for presidential reelection.
  3. Indirect election of Members.

The Constitution of 1947

Recognizing democracy as a system that inherently strives for improvement, the 1947 constitution aimed to enhance constitutional norms. Key features include:

  1. Universal, direct, and secret suffrage.
  2. Right to vote.
  3. Emphasis on democratic principles.
  4. Confirmation of all citizen guarantees.
  5. Granting of voting rights to women.
  6. Direct election of governors.
  7. Establishment of a presidential term limit.

Important Laws and Decrees (1936–1958)

Numerous laws were enacted during this period, aimed at benefiting the national community and promoting the country’s socioeconomic development.

Presidency of Eleazar López Contreras (1936–1941)

Key legislation included:

  • Labor Law
  • Decree Suspending Constitutional Guarantees (1936)
  • New Hydrocarbons Law (1936)
  • Law to Prevent Water Pollution (July 20, 1936)
  • Decree Establishing the Venezuelan Child Council (August 6, 1936)
  • Customs Tariff Law (October 20, 1936)
  • Decree Establishing the National Pedagogical Institute (November 30, 1936)
  • Creation of the Ministry of Health and Social Assistance (February 25, 1936)
  • Creation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (December 25, 1936)
  • Establishment of School Agriculture Practice (December 5, 1936)
  • Law Creating the Industrial Bank (July 23, 1937)
  • Establishment of the National Guard (August 4, 1937)
  • Security Service Act (June 30, 1938)
  • Surveillance Act for Insurance Companies (July 18, 1938)
  • Arms and Explosives Act (June 12, 1938)
  • Ordinance Fixing Territorial Waters (September 15, 1939)
  • Decree Establishing Savings for Ministries (December 16, 1939)
  • Regulation on Health Clinics and Homes (June 17, 1940)
  • Public Records Act (June 31, 1940)
  • Compulsory Social Security Act (1940)
  • Act Establishing the Central Bank (1940)

Presidency of Isaías Medina Angarita (1941–1945)

Key legislation included:

  • Currency Act (July 22, 1941)
  • Decree Legalizing the Democratic Action Party (September 1941)
  • Decree Legalizing the Communist Party of Venezuela (October 9, 1944)
  • Decree Creating the Citizenship ID Card Service (July 23, 1941)
  • Law on Income Tax (July 10, 1942)
  • Hydrocarbon Law (1943)

Revolutionary Junta Government (1945–1948)

Key legislation included:

  • Land Reform Act (September 1945)
  • Decree Organizing the Ministry of Transport and Communications (October 29, 1945)
  • Act Against Hoarding and Speculation (August 2, 1946)
  • Decree Establishing the National Labor Exchange (April 6, 1946)
  • Decree Establishing the Venezuelan Development Corporation (1946)
  • Law Against Illicit Enrichment of Public Officials and Employees (October 18, 1948)
  • Decree to Reopen the University of Zulia (October 1, 1946)
  • Expropriation Law for Public Utility (1947)

Military Government (1948–1957)

Key legislation included:

  • Decree Disbanding and Outlawing the Democratic Action Party (December 7, 1948)
  • Act Establishing the National Agrarian Institute (1949)
  • Bank Worker Law (January 25, 1951)
  • Decree on Compulsory Social Insurance Status (October 5, 1951)
  • Decree Implementing the Election Statute (April 19, 1951)
  • Act on the Flag, Crest, and Anthem (February 17, 1954)
  • Education Act (July 25, 1955)
  • Forestry Law of Soils and Waters (August 27, 1955)

Suffrage and Elections

Voting was established as a right with the following characteristics:

  • Universal: All persons of legal age were entitled to vote.
  • Direct: People directly participated in the voting process.
  • Secret: The identity of voters was protected.

Elections

Elections served as the mechanism for exercising the right to vote.

Formation of Modern Political Parties

Political parties emerged, representing distinct ideological perspectives:

  • Left: Associated with revolutionary, progressive, and often radical views.
  • Right: Associated with conservative and traditionalist views.

Border Diplomacy

General López Contreras, through diplomatic channels, initiated a study of the border situation with the Republic of Colombia, then led by President Eduardo Santos. This effort aimed to reach an agreement on the demarcation of the border.