Parliamentary Democracy in the 1950s: Key Developments and Challenges

Introduction

Parliamentary democracy refers to a form of government in which citizens elect representatives to a parliament or legislative assembly to make laws on their behalf. This system of government provides a platform for the expression of diverse political opinions through competitive elections. In this article, we will explore parliamentary democracy during the 1950s, focusing on key events, developments, and challenges during this period.

Key Developments

The postwar period following World War II saw significant growth in the number of countries practicing parliamentary democracy. By the end of the war, there were only 19 parliamentary democracies, but by the mid-twentieth century, this figure had more than doubled. This expansion was driven, in part, by the desire for democratic representation after years of authoritarian rule and military occupation.

One notable development within the parliamentary system during the 1950s was the emergence of multi-party systems. In many cases, these new parties represented ideologies different from those present before the war, which led to greater political diversity and representation. This shift towards multi-party systems was evident in countries like Japan, Italy, Austria, and Germany, where democratic structures were rebuilt from scratch.

In Britain, the decade began with Winston Churchill being elected leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister, replacing Clement Attlee's Labour government. Churchill's tenure saw efforts to rebuild the British economy following World War II. He was succeeded in 1955 by Anthony Eden, who oversaw Britain's withdrawal from Egypt and the Suez Canal crisis.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its growth during this period, parliamentary democracy faced several challenges that tested its viability. One such challenge was the threat of communism and the fear of a 'red scare.' This led many countries to adopt anti-communist measures, such as restrictive immigration policies or banning communist parties altogether.

In addition to these external threats, there were also challenges from within parliamentary democracies themselves. For instance, some critics argued that parliamentary democracy was ill-suited for managing complex economic issues, leading to calls for alternative forms of government that could better address these challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while parliamentary democracy was undergoing significant expansion during the 1950s, it faced various challenges and criticisms that tested its effectiveness. Despite these problems, it continued to be seen as a desirable form of government due to its emphasis on representation and competition among parties. As we look back at this period, we can appreciate how parliamentary democracy evolved from its earlier forms and laid the groundwork for future developments in democratic governance.