Unitary vs. Composite States: Understanding Political Power Distribution
Unitary State
In a unitary state, political power is concentrated in a single center and is projected throughout the entire territory. This does not preclude delegations for a more efficient distribution of resources and responsibilities between institutions of sub-areas (municipalities, counties, and provinces). Sometimes, the delegated powers can be quite considerable. However, they may be revoked by a unilateral decision from the central power, as it is the sole center of political power.
There
Read MoreGerman Political Parties and Lobbyists: Funding and Influence
A Hallmark of the German Party System: The Grand Coalition
A hallmark of the German party system is the idea of a grand coalition (Große Koalition) between the two main political forces, born in 1966 following a crisis to prevent ungovernability. The ideologization of parties (parties *atrapatodo*) allowed a rapprochement between the major powers. Despite this, a grand coalition is a palpable sign of crisis in party democracy and a mockery of parliamentary democracy, since it prevents the change
Read MoreRepresentative 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
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