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1937, July 29 |
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The new constitution, providing for a president and a two-chamber parliament, was adopted. Restoration of civil liberties was provided for, as were democratic elections. But under the new system the president (to be elected for six years) was to enjoy great authority, with power to appoint and dismiss the cabinet, dissolve both houses of Parliament, and rule by decree in national emergencies. | 1 |
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1938, Feb. 24 |
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The election resulted in a chamber containing 63 deputies of Päts's National Front and 17 of opposition groups. | 2 |
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April 24 |
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Päts was elected president. Although Päts returned to constitutionalism in 1938, there proved to be little change from the authoritarianism of the postMarch 1934 period. Political parties remained proscribed, the government continued to issue legislation by decree, and the new parliament played a minor role in public life. | 3 |
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