<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

In 1866, religion played a significant role in unifying the Romanian national spirit. A foreign prince was brought to rule under the Orthodox faith, and this religious aspect was incorporated into Article 82 of the Constitution.
The limitation of political rights in Romania was based on ethnic criteria, with Jews and other non-Christians excluded from full participation. The electoral system introduced a high property-based voting qualification, reflecting, to some extent, liberal principles, but effectively limiting actual participation.
Thus, the Romanian Constitution of 1866 struck a delicate balance between borrowed liberal ideals and the specific cultural context of Romania. It emphasized the role of religion and property ownership in shaping political rights and identity, while also attempting to align with European constitutional standards. The electoral system of 1866 in Romania fell short of democratic ideals and perpetuated inequalities. It shaped the political landscape and had far-reaching consequences for the country’s governance and representation.
</abstract>

In 1866, religion played a significant role in unifying the Romanian national spirit. A foreign prince was brought to rule under the Orthodox faith, and this religious aspect was incorporated into Article 82 of the Constitution.
The limitation of political rights in Romania was based on ethnic criteria, with Jews and other non-Christians excluded from full participation. The electoral system introduced a high property-based voting qualification, reflecting, to some extent, liberal principles, but effectively limiting actual participation.
Thus, the Romanian Constitution of 1866 struck a delicate balance between borrowed liberal ideals and the specific cultural context of Romania. It emphasized the role of religion and property ownership in shaping political rights and identity, while also attempting to align with European constitutional standards. The electoral system of 1866 in Romania fell short of democratic ideals and perpetuated inequalities. It shaped the political landscape and had far-reaching consequences for the country’s governance and representation.

Romania’s 1866 Electoral System and the Quest for National Sovereignty

Journal of Legal Studies

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

{"article-title":"Romania\u2019s 1866 Electoral System and the Quest for National Sovereignty"}

In 1866, religion played a significant role in unifying the Romanian national spirit. A foreign prince was brought to rule under the Orthodox faith, and this...

Romania’s 1866 Electoral System and the Quest for National Sovereignty

Published Online: Nov 02, 2023

Page range: 125 - 145

Received: Oct 01, 2023

Accepted: Nov 01, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jles-2023-0016

Keywords
Romanian electoral system of 1866, legal culture, legal transplant

© 2023 Răzvan Cosmin Roghină, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Romania’s 1866 Electoral System and the Quest for National Sovereignty

Published Online: Nov 02, 2023

Page range: 125 - 145

Received: Oct 01, 2023

Accepted: Nov 01, 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jles-2023-0016

KeywordsRomanian electoral system of 1866, legal culture, legal transplant

© 2023 Răzvan Cosmin Roghină, published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
Romanian electoral system of 1866, legal culture, legal transplant