Electoral 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
Read MoreUnderstanding Proportional Electoral Formulas and Thresholds
Proportional Electoral Formulas
Proportional electoral formulas aim to distribute seats proportionally to the votes received by each competing force in a constituency. This system helps to avoid inequalities and ensures that each political party’s representation aligns with its actual support.
In our electoral system, achieving perfect proportional representation is challenging. The legislature could choose between various organic formulas that offer proportionality, but currently, the Dhondt formula
Read MoreUnderstanding Political Regimes: Democracy and Non-Democracy
Political Regimes
There are different political regimes in the world. Some are democratic, and others are non-democratic. Each state manages its territory following a series of rules and institutions that apply laws. Democracy is the most widespread regime.
Democracy
It is based on the principles of individual liberty and equality before the law. It advocates the separation of powers:
- Legislative power: Has the mission of making and passing laws.
- Judicial power: Has the function of administering justice