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 Constitution, private property, and the consolidation of the liberal state, unitary and centralist. Their political actions had minor differences. Conservatives were more inclined to political paralysis, proposed a census-based vote, and defended the Church and social order. Liberals advocated universal male suffrage and were more inclined to social reformism of a more progressive and secular nature.
The regular alternation in power was intended to ensure institutional stability. When the ruling party suffered political erosion, the monarch would ask the head of the opposition party to form a government. The new leader would then call elections to gain a parliamentary majority to govern.
Electoral Distortion
The Turno system was maintained for over twenty years due to electoral corruption and the influence and economic power of certain individuals (caciques). The caciquismo was a phenomenon that occurred in Spain.
The adulteration of the vote was common in all elections, achieved by restoring the census-based vote and electoral manipulation and cheating. Victory was achieved through the distortion of results. The caciques were often rich landowners who guided the vote, rewarding loyalty and discriminating against those who did not respect their interests. They continually manipulated elections in accordance with the authorities. This set of electoral cheating is called rigging. They did not hesitate to falsify census records, handle vote-buying, etc.
Development of Party Time
Throughout the period between 1876 and 1898, the shift work occurred regularly, though it went through difficult times. The Conservative party remained in government from 1875 to 1881. In 1884, Cánovas returned to power, but fear of destabilizing the political system led to the Pact of Pardo, which supported the regency of Maria Cristina and ensured the continuity of the monarchy against Carlist and Republican pressures. The Liberal Party ruled longer than the Conservatives. During Sagasta’s government, slavery was abolished, and a new Civil Code was launched. With the introduction of universal male suffrage, voter registration was extended to all men over 25. In 1890, the Conservatives returned to power, and in 1892, the Liberals returned. In 1895, Cánovas’ government took office.