Political Parties
Since Alberta entered Confederation
in 1905, its political history has tended toward
repetition. From the first Liberal government to today's
Progressive Conservatives, each governing party has remained
in office for many consecutive years. Past governments
have faced a weak
and often divided opposition in the Assembly. When
finally an effective opposition emerged, the party
was swept from power.
The Liberal Party took office in
1905, before Albertans had a chance to vote. The party
benefited from their association with the governing
federal Liberals, who appointed the province's first
Lieutenant Governor and made promises that depended on
the cooperation of the provincial government. The
Opposition Conservatives' advocated similar policies,
but their support was limited mostly to southern
Alberta, where fewer ridings were drawn. The Alberta
Liberals held on to power until 1921.
The United Farmers of Alberta and the
Social Credit Party began as grass-roots movements. The
first group stood for farmers' interests, and the second
advocated monetary reform. After deciding to enter
politics, both organizations respectively defeated the
former governments in 1921 and 1935. However, upon
entering the Legislature, both parties had difficulty
carrying out their platforms. Eventually, they drifted
to the right of the political spectrum, becoming
advocates of fiscal restraint and private enterprise.
The Progressive Conservatives, who
took office in 1971, differed from the former Social
Credit government in image, but hardly on policies. They
reflected Albertans' prevailing values of provincial
autonomy and individual rights. Opposition parties have
filled a small vacuum to represent competing interests
and hold the government accountable. Like preceding
opposition parties, they have struggled to present a
strong, united voice in the Legislature.
Some have suggested that for most of
Alberta's history, the real opposition has been the
federal government. The struggle over
control of Alberta's natural resources has dominated
disputes between the provincial and federal governments
over the years.
Throughout history, Alberta's
governing parties have been adept at changing to suit Albertans' changing
interests. When concerns about communism arose in the
1940's and western alienation in the 1980's, the
provincial governments of the day took advantage of
these opportunities to change their platforms. So long
as Albertans continue to perceive their government as
the defender of the province's interests against outside
influences, they will likely continue to support the
same party. Still, there remains the possibility that a
new party will emerge to challenge the established
order.
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