The Restoration in Spain: Political System and Bipartisanship
The Restoration in Spain: A New Political System
Cánovas’ Vision
Cánovas del Castillo sought to establish a new political model, moving beyond the issues of previous liberal systems and the era of Isabel II. His aim was to create a system that addressed the endemic problems of liberalism and minimized military intervention in politics. Two main objectives guided this vision: the development of a constitution promoting bipartisanship and the pacification of the country by ending the war in Cuba and the Carlist conflict.
The 1876 Constitution
The 1876 Constitution, drafted under Cánovas’ leadership, reflected a conservative interpretation of liberalism, featuring census suffrage and shared sovereignty between the Cortes and the King. Inspired by traditional values of monarchy, religion, and property, the constitution established a bicameral Cortes comprising the Senate and the Congress of Deputies. While initially based on universal suffrage, the system later reverted to census suffrage, limiting voting rights to the wealthiest taxpayers. The constitution also declared Catholicism as the state religion and included a bill of rights.
Bipartisanship and the Peaceful Turn
Cánovas introduced a system of government based on bipartisanship and the alternation of power between two major parties: the Conservatives and the Liberals. This system aimed to replace pronouncements (military coups) as a means of accessing power. The peaceful transfer of power between these two dominant forces was intended to ensure institutional stability.
Dynastic Parties
Cánovas led the Alfonsine Conservative Party, which later became known as the Conservative Party. His bipartisan project required a more progressive counterpart, leading to the formation of the Liberal Party under Sagasta. Both parties drew their support primarily from economic elites and the affluent middle class. The regular alternation of power between these dynastic parties, known as the turno pacífico (peaceful turn), aimed to guarantee institutional stability.
The mechanics of the turno involved the monarch calling upon the opposition to form a government when the ruling party lost the confidence of the Cortes. The new government would then call elections to secure a parliamentary majority. This system, however, was susceptible to manipulation.
Catalan Conservatives and Liberals
Catalan conservatives, led by figures like Manuel Duran i Bas, favored a Catholic conservative party and opposed the tolerance sanctioned by the 1876 Constitution and Cánovas’ centralized policies. They also resisted reforms proposed by the Liberals.
Catalan liberals, including Victor Balaguer and Francesc Rius i Taulet, advocated for political reform, expanded individual freedoms, and a broader suffrage.
Caciquismo and Election Fraud
The turno pacífico was underpinned by a corrupt and manipulative electoral system. Electoral fraud, including vote manipulation, falsified records, and coercive practices, was rampant. Caciquismo, the influence of powerful individuals or families who controlled specific constituencies, played a significant role in this system. Caciques used their economic and political power to manipulate elections, ensuring the victory of their chosen candidates.
These practices included manipulating census data, buying votes, intimidating voters, and suppressing opposition propaganda. This system of electoral manipulation and caciquismo undermined the democratic principles of the Restoration.