The "ac" code is for "adequacy-confidence"--a
data
quality measure ranging from 0 (low) to 9
(high)
Party Name and Code Number
Swedish farmers or Agrarian Party, the
Center Party since 1957, 242
Bondeforbundet until 1957, then the
Centerpartiet
Information Base and
Researchers
The information base for party politics in
Sweden consists of 575 pages from 35 documents, with 192 pages or
33 percent pertaining to the Center Party. Eve Harris also
consulted with party workers in Sweden on the coding of variables.
Jean Jacobsohn indexed the literature for retrieval.
Eve Harris coded the variables.
Institutionalization Variables,
1.01-1.06
1.01 Year of Origin and 1.02 Name
Changes
1913, AC9
8, AC9
The Farmers Party was formed in 1913, but
in 1921 there was a merger with another agrarian interest group
creating a larger and more powerful farmers (Agrarian) Party. Its
first representatives were sent to the Riksdag in 1917. The Party
changed its name from the Farmers Party to the Center Party in
1957.
1.03 Organizational
Discontinuity
0, AC9
The Center Party experienced no
discontinuity during the time period from 1941 to 1962. There have
been no minor or major splits or mergers within the
party.
1.04 Leadership Competition
8, AC7
Gunnar Hedlund became chairman of the
Center Party in 1949, a post which he held throughout our period.
Prior to the inception of Hedlund's leadership there were at least
two other party leaders, all of whom appeared to have been chosen
by the National Committee.
1.05 / 2.05 Legislative Instability and
Strength
Instability is .16, AC8
Strength is .11 for 1st half, AC7, and .13
for 2nd half, AC9
The percentage of seats held in the Lower
House by the Center Party during our period ranged from 8 to 15
percent.
1.06 / 2.06 Electoral Instability and
Strength
Instability is .15, AC8
Strength is .10 for 1st half, AC8, and .13
for 2nd half, AC9
Elections were held in 1952, 1956, 1958,
and 1960. The Center Party's electoral support varied from 9 to 14
percent of the vote for these elections.
Governmental Status Variables,
2.01-2.07
2.01 Government Discrimination
0 for 1st half, AC9
0 for 2nd half, AC9
There is no mention of government
discrimination in any of the literature, but it is noted that no
political party in the country suffers such
discrimination.
2.02 Governmental Leadership
0 out of 7 for 1st half, AC9
0 out of 6 for 2nd half, AC9
The Center Party did not hold the
leadership position in the government at any time during our
period, but it did participate in the governing coalition during
the first half.
2.03 Cabinet Participation
6 out of 7 for 1st half, AC9
1 out of 6 for 2nd half, AC9
The Center Party- still the Farmers
Party--entered a coalition with the Social Democrats in 1951. This
so-called marriage of political convenience was dissolved in 1957.
The Social Democrats were by far the larger of the partners in
this coalition, and they continued to govern alone after the
coalition dissolved.
2.04 National Participation
5 for 1st half, AC9
5 for 2nd half, AC9
The CP is most definitely a national party
and is found in all sections of the country, although its strength
varies from region to region. Strongest support for the Party
comes from rural areas, but the Party organization has made great
attempts since the Party name change from Farmers to Center Party
to attract members and support from other sources than the rural
areas. This attempt was partially successful during our time
period.
2.07 Outside Origin
9, AC7
The Farmers Party was formed by private
citizens with occupational links as farmers. There was no previous
organization which served as a foundation for the conception of
the party, once the date of origin is fixed at 1913.
Issue Orientation Variables, 5.01-5.15
5.01 Ownership of Means of
Production
1, AC7
The CP strongly favors private ownership of
the means of production but at the same time accepts some
government ownership. The party stand on this issue is not
completely clear. The code given was arrived at after consulting
with party members and some party literature. It definitely favors
government aid to production (in whatever form necessary) during
times of crisis, and it opposes monopolies of any
kind.
5.02 Government Role in Economic
Planning
1, AC8
The CP favors governmental aid in economic
matters but rejects complete management of the economy by the
government. It accepts the level of participation of the
government which exists (during 1950-1962) but it places strong
emphasis on the need for private initiative and competition in the
economy. It also advocates government intervention in times of
crisis and a well planned economy in which all segments of the
population are protected economically.
5.03 Redistribution of Wealth
1, AC7
The CP favors a graduated income tax which
will enable all segments of the population to live comfortably. It
hopes that all of the population will be well provided for and
secure, but it does not advocate a policy more severe than a
graduated income tax to accomplish these goals.
5.04 Social Welfare
1, AC8
During the first half of our time period,
the CP was hesitant to endorse compulsory social welfare programs,
which were not thought to be of particular interest to the
farmers. But it did endorse a basic social welfare system to
protect citizens. As social welfare in Sweden has increased, the
CP has not adamantly opposed such extension, but it still does not
favor a completely socialized social welfare system. The CP favors
voluntary rather than compulsory programs and opposed some reforms
presented by the Social Democrats during the 2nd half of our time
period.
5.05 Secularization of Society
2, AC5
The CP stand is not well articulated in
relation to secularization of society. It has advocated freedom of
religion but has never opposed the state supported church. It also
states that Christianity is a foundation for the party and its
principles.
5.06 Support of the Military
3, AC7
The CP advocates the maintenance of an
effective defense system and therefore approve of spending for
military purposes, but certainly not in extravagant sums. Military
expenditures are a matter of lesser importance to the CP than
issues concerning domestic politics and affairs.
5.07 Alignment with East-West
Blocs
0, AC9
The CP always advocated a policy of
complete neutrality for the Swedish nation during our time
period.
5.08 Anti-Colonialism
0, AC3
During our period, Sweden was not involved
in any colonial relationship in the world, and it did not feel
pressured by a foreign power. Thus, Anti Colonialism was not a
subject that concerned the CP from Sweden's standpoint, although
various members had opinions concerning colonialism existing in
the world.
5.09 Supranational integration
3, AC7
The CP favored trade agreements within the
Scandinavian countries but advocated a policy of caution
concerning political and trade communities which may jeopardize
Sweden's neutrality and not work to the benefit of Swedish
interests. It was also cool to entrance into EEC.
5.10 National Integration
1, AC6
The CP adhered to the policy of maintaining
a national authority structure which recognizes, accommodates, and
works with regional and other subnational interests to effectively
maintain a government sensitive to all groups. Subsequent to our
1950-1962 time period, however, the party became the one most
closely linked with calls for decentralization.
5.11 Electoral Participation
5, AC7
The CP advocated the maintenance of
universal suffrage for those above 20. In 1968, the government
proposed lowering the voting age to 19. It is not known what
position the CP took on this issue at that time.
5.12 Protection of Civil Rights
3, AC5
CP literature suggests that the party stand
in protection of civil rights would be strong, but party workers
consulted in Sweden confessed to some moderation in actions
opposing discrimination. The problem arises because of immigrants
to Sweden. Many Eastern Europeans and gypsies meet with
discriminatory practices in Sweden.
5.13 Interference with Civil
Liberties
3, AC9
The CP recognizes freedom of expression as
an enforced and acknowledged governmental policy. They have always
advocated a policy of free speech for all citizens, groups, and
political bodies.
5.14 / 5.15 US--Soviet Experts Left-Right
Ratings
US says 2, center
Soviets say 2, receives support from the
wealthier rural classes and lower and middle class landowners. It
is influential among small businessmen, merchants, and artisans.
According to the 1959 party program, it is a Centrist Bourgeois
Party, opposing both large monopolies and the socialization of the
national economy.
Goal Orientation Variables, 6.01-6.55
6.00 Open Competition in the Electoral
Process
4, AC9
The CP participates regularly in elections
and relies exclusively on open competition as a means of obtaining
governmental power.
6.10 Restricting Party
Competition
0, AC9
No mention is made in the literature
concerning CP use of restrictive measures because there is
none.
6.20 Subverting the Political
System
0, AC9
No mention is made of subversive activities
as the CP relies exclusively on the process of open competition
through elections.
6.30 Propagandizing Ideas and
Program
6.31--0, AC9. The Skanska Dagblad is the
newspaper which is associated with the CP. It is not widely
influential. Radio and television are available for use by the
parties but are not operated by the parties themselves. Thus the
newspaper is the main medium of communication, but it is not
operated by the party itself.
6.32--0, AC9. The party operates adult
education courses in general education as well as seminars and
discussions for party members and other interested people. But the
CP does not operate any schools for the purpose of dissemination
of party ideas and programs.
6.33--2, AC9. The CP frequently indulges in
the activity of passing resolutions and platforms on a wide range
of issues.
6.34--2, AC9. The CP frequently publishes
and circulates literature clarifying or stating CP positions on
many issues.
6.50 Providing for Welfare of Party
Members
6.51--0, AC9. No information appears in the
literature, as the provision of food, clothing, and shelter is
handled by state social welfare agencies.
6.52 - 0, AC9. No information is found on
running employment services, which are again handled by the
state.
6.53--0, AC5. No information can be found
on the party's interceding on citizens" behalf, and party workers
consulted also have no knowledge of this occurring.
6.54--2, AC9. The CP does provide for basic
education of a non-political sort by conducting adult education
courses on such subjects as mathematics and history.
6.55--2, AC9. The CP provides various
recreational facilities and services on a regular
basis.
Autonomy Variables, 7.01-7.05
7.01 Sources of Funds
3 (sector 02), AC6
It appears that about half of the party's
funds come from membership dues and the other half from friendly
agricultural interests. Of course, the half from dues would come
mainly from farmers, which might be interpreted as lowering the
score even more to show less autonomy.
7.02 Source of Members
5, AC9
Membership in the CP is entirely direct and
comprised mainly of agricultural interests. Although most leaders
of the RLF (a farmer organization) belong to the CP, membership in
the RLF does not imply membership in the CP. Most CP members are
farmers, but since the party's name change a greater effort has
been made to attract nonfarmers to the CP as well. This effort has
been somewhat successful with voters during the second half of our
time period.
7.03 Sources of Leaders
5, AC6
Party leaders, both on a national and local
level, are from varying sectors of the society. This is considered
strange by many, as the CP has always been identified with
agricultural interests and draws most of its members from this
sector.
7.04 Relations with Domestic
Parties
4 for 1st half, AC9
5 for 2nd half, AC7
From 1951 to 1957, the CP was part of a
coalition with the Social Democrats and thus participated in a
parliamentary and governmental alliance. The variable code for the
second half of the period differs from that of the first to
reflect CP's situation for most of the time, despite the fact that
the SD CP coalition lasted until 1957. Following the CP's
departure from the government, it is regarded as participating in
a parliamentary alliance with the Conservatives and Liberals in
opposition to the Social Democrats.
7.05 Relations with Foreign
Organizations
5, AC9
No information is contained in the
literature because, according to party workers, the CP has never
been affiliated with any foreign organizations and it is thus not
a subject for discussion.
Organizational Complexity Variables,
8.01-8.07
8.01 Structural Articulation
10, AC8
The CP displays the typical organization
for a well developed party. There is a national convention which
meets annually, a National Committee selected by the district
organizations, a smaller Executive Committee, and a Parliamentary
Executive Committee. Selection procedures for these organs appear
to be fairly well prescribed, but their distinct functions are not
discussed.
8.02 Intensiveness of
Organization
5, AC9
Party clubs and organizations at the lowest
level are linked to constituency organizations. Such organizations
can be sometimes found in small rural communities or based on the
Swedish parish level, which is smaller than an American county and
includes several small rural villages. Thus, the organizational
intensity varies from area to area, but is not founded on the cell
basis common to Communist Parties. However, many organizations are
based on 1,000 voters or less in the rural areas, with larger
local branches in the cities. There is a minimum of at least 10
members required for each new local organization, but these small
organizations are conceived with expansion of membership in
mind.
8.03 Extensiveness of
Organization
5, AC9
Local CP organizations can be found across
the country, but the organizations are stronger in the rural than
the urban areas.
8.04 Frequency of Local
Meetings
5, AC8
Most CP basic units meet from 7 to 11 times
per year although no party rules prescribe so many meetings, for
only one per year is required. The frequency of meetings does vary
among units, but the indicated range appears to be
common.
8.05 Frequency of National
Meetings
AC2
Insufficient information.
8.06 Maintaining Records
12, AC9
Some party propaganda is published, but
these efforts cannot be viewed as considerable. The CP did
maintain an archive with fair amounts of resources, although it
was certainly not outstanding. The party did maintain very good
membership lists. Our consultant reports that efforts in
maintaining records improved in recent years.
8.07 Pervasiveness of
Organization
10, AC5
The major farm organizations were
distinctly non-partisan, but most of the leaders of the RLF
belonged to the Center Party, which accounts for its score on this
variable. The party also had a strong youth organization, with
about 100,000 members and a women's group with another 50,000
members.
Organizational Power Variables, 9.01-9.08
9.01 Nationalization of
Structure
3, AC5
There are national, regional, county, and
local organizations, all of which are inter related and somewhat
responsible to each other. Each level retains a degree of autonomy
within the structure, particularly in such matters as nominations
and strictly local affairs. Moreover, members of the National
Committee are selected by the district organizations rather than
the national convention.
9.02 Selecting the National
Leader
3, AC8
The national leader is selected by the
National Committee, which is itself comprised of members from
district and regional organizations.
9.03 Selecting Parliamentary
Candidates
3, AC7
Candidates are nominated at the local level
for parliamentary candidacy. Party members have the right to
present alternative names to any of those offered by the local
leaders, but technically the district organization has the final
decision in the choosing of candidates.
9.04 Allocating Funds
2, AC3
The common practice in Swedish parties,
which is assumed applicable to the Center Party, is for the local
organizations to collect dues and to forward the funds to the
district organization, which retains an amount to cover its own
expenses and forwards the remainder to the national
level.
9.05 Formulating Policy
5, AC7
The annual national conventions do get
involved in formulating policy, and they are not always rubber
stamp organizations, although the national organizations take the
initiative in policy making.
9.06 Controlling Communications
0, AC9
The Center Party does not own or control
any media form, but it does receive support from the Skanska
Dagblad, which is not widely read throughout the
country.
9.07 Administering Discipline
0, AC9
There are no prescribed forms of discipline
although pressure can and is brought against those whom the party
sees fit to treat so. But this actually varies, and discipline may
be exerted at any level. It is most likely that parliamentary
members shall feel such pressures from the parliamentary
organization and organs at the national level.
9.08 Leadership Concentration
3, AC9
Although there is one proclaimed party
leader, he is not the party's omnipotent figure. Rather, he shares
decision making power with the national party Executive Committee
and other parliamentary party leaders.
Coherence Variables, 10.01-10.06
10.01 Legislative Cohesion
.90, AC7
On most major issues brought before the
Riksdag, the party votes in unanimous bloc. But unanimity is not
required, and personal freedom in voting is tolerated within the
party.
10.02 Ideological Factionalism
1, AC8
Ideology is most certainly a matter of
debate and disagreement within the party at all levels. But
factionalism as such does not exist, for these divisions tend to
be resolved by individuals shifting parties.
10.03 Issue Factionalism
1, AC7
Some disagreement, but minor in nature and
scope, occurs mainly on regional differences.
10.04 Leadership Factionalism
0, AC5
There seems to have been no serious
discussion concerning changing the CP leadership, which remained
in the hands of Gunnar Hedlund from 1949 throughout our
period.
10.05 Strategic or Tactical
Factionalism
AC1
Although the literature neglects discussing
this possible basis for factionalism, it would be expected that
strong differences might exist within the Center Party over
participation with the Social Democrats in a coalition
government.
10.06 Party Purges
0 for 1st half, AC9
0 for 2nd half, AC9
There have surely been no purges within the
Swedish Center Party.
Involvement Variables, 11.01-11.06
11.01 Membership Requirements
3, AC9
For official membership in the Center
Party, one must pay a minimal sum in annual dues and register as a
party member.
11.02 Membership Participation
1, AC7
Membership participation appears to be
fairly weak, although the party literature tries to convey a
different picture.
11.03 Material Incentives
0, AC5
It does not appear that party workers are
motivated by material incentives, although loyalty on the part of
parliamentary members can lead to rewards of positions of
influence in the party organization.
11.04 Purposive Incentives
3, AC6
According to the party literature, concern
for party principles is the main motivating force for party
workers. The data source is not the most reliable for this type of
information, but it seems to square with other perceptions of the
party.
11.05 Doctrinism
0, AC9
Party activities are not justified by any
particular party literature, although party platforms, plans, and
programs are published and referenced- but not in a doctrinaire
manner.
11.06 Personalism
0, AC9
Hedlund certainly is highly respected by
many if not most party militants, but he is not regarded as a
charismatic leader.