Suchergebnisse

This article covers the voting behaviow- of the three major belgian parties: CVP (christian democrats), BSP (socialists) and PVV (liberals) during three legislatures (from 1954 to 1965) in which all three partieswere twice in government and once in the opposition.The cohesion between the government parties bas been very high. This is also the case within each party. Deviations from the so-called «partyline» are minimal, especially within the socialist party.Looking at the final votes, two voting patterns dominate : government versus opposition and unanimity.All amendments, except those introduced by the government, were rejected. The major conclusion is that the role of the public session of the House is reduced to a mere registration function.

Examined is the voting behavior of the three major Belgian parties -- CVP (Christian Democrats), BSP (Socialists), & PVV (Liberals) -- during three legislatures in which all three parties were twice in government & once in the opposition. The cohesion between the government parties & within each party was very high: cohesion within the government was 99.97% in 1958-1961. Deviations from the "party line" were minimal, especially within the BSP: 0.32% of BSP members voted against the party line in 1954-1958; the highest deviation (2.51%) was found among CVP members in 1961-1965. In the final votes two voting patterns dominate: government vs opposition & unanimity. All amendments except those introduced by the government were rejected. It is concluded that the role of the public session of the House of Representatives is reduced to a mere registration function. 5 Tables. Modified HA.