Improving Democracy Through Constitutional Reform

Some Swedish Lessons

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Politics, History & Theory
Cover of the book Improving Democracy Through Constitutional Reform by Roger D. Congleton, Springer US
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Roger D. Congleton ISBN: 9781461504214
Publisher: Springer US Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: Roger D. Congleton
ISBN: 9781461504214
Publisher: Springer US
Publication: December 6, 2012
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

Do constitutions matter? Are constitutions simply symbols of the political times at which they were adopted, or do they systematically affect the course of public policy? Are the policy crises of failing democracies the result of bad luck or of fundamental problems associated with the major and minor constitutional reforms adopted during their recent histories?

The purpose of the present study is to address these questions using a blend of theory, history, and statistical analysis. The Swedish experience provides a nearly perfect laboratory in which to study the effects of constitutional reform. During the past 200 years, Swedish governance has shifted from a king-dominated system with an unelected four-chamber parliament to a bicameral legislature elected with wealth-weighted voting in 1866, and then to a new electoral system based on proportional representation and universal suffrage in 1920, and finally to a unicameral parliamentary system in 1970. All these radical reorganizations of Swedish governance were accomplished peacefully using formal amendment procedures established by previous constitutions.

By focusing on constitutional issues rather than Sweden's political history, this book extends our understanding of constitutional reform and parliamentary democracy in general.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Do constitutions matter? Are constitutions simply symbols of the political times at which they were adopted, or do they systematically affect the course of public policy? Are the policy crises of failing democracies the result of bad luck or of fundamental problems associated with the major and minor constitutional reforms adopted during their recent histories?

The purpose of the present study is to address these questions using a blend of theory, history, and statistical analysis. The Swedish experience provides a nearly perfect laboratory in which to study the effects of constitutional reform. During the past 200 years, Swedish governance has shifted from a king-dominated system with an unelected four-chamber parliament to a bicameral legislature elected with wealth-weighted voting in 1866, and then to a new electoral system based on proportional representation and universal suffrage in 1920, and finally to a unicameral parliamentary system in 1970. All these radical reorganizations of Swedish governance were accomplished peacefully using formal amendment procedures established by previous constitutions.

By focusing on constitutional issues rather than Sweden's political history, this book extends our understanding of constitutional reform and parliamentary democracy in general.

More books from Springer US

Cover of the book Property Tax Reform in Developing Countries by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Biology of the Arterial Wall by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book The Demography of Health and Health Care by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Computing Techniques for Robots by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Interpreting the Early Modern World by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Computational Subsurface Hydrology by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Thickening and Gelling Agents for Food by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Membrane Physiology by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book The Psychology of Secrets by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Re-engineering the Enterprise by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Undiscovered Petroleum and Mineral Resources by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book The Durable Use of Consumer Products by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Health Care Evaluation Using Computer Simulation by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Advances in Acoustic Microscopy by Roger D. Congleton
Cover of the book Antibodies by Roger D. Congleton
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy