The constitutional precursors of political achievements were a series of conflicts that marked the turbulent times of British Malta. An evaluation of colonial times would clarify the ‘recent’ events of Independence, Republic and Freedom Days
British political strategists granted constitutions that marked both progression and regression for Malta. Their studied decisions were intrinsically bound by colonial interests in the island and by events in the Mediterranean.
Upward trends occurred in 1849, 1887, 1921, 1947 and 1964. The downward bends happened in 1813, 1903, 1936 and 1959. Others were static.
Twelve constitutions delineated the general path along Malta’s road to Independence: gubernatorial autocracy (1813); advisory council of government (1835); elective representation in minority (1849); representative system (1887); responsible government (1921), self government (1947) and Independence (1964). This constitutional development was, from time to time, dented by a crown colony system and the official majority rule.
Britain activated cooperation and submission by adroit manipulation of the political organisation of the island. A monopoly of legal power sanctioned its...
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