Political and Administrative Organisation

The Constitution of the Bulgarian Principality

It is still too early to write a full constitutional history of modern Bulgaria, since the Principality was established only a few decades before the beginning of the 20th century. The modern history of Bulgaria truly began with the arrival of the first Bulgarian Prince in the late 19th century. Between the time of the medieval Bulgarian kingdoms and the creation of the Principality, there was a long break of several centuries under foreign rule. Because of this, there is no direct political or institutional link between the old kingdoms and the Bulgaria of modern times.

The Organic Statute, which regulates political life in the Principality, was created in a short period and not entirely by Bulgarians themselves. The Great Powers of Europe, when they recognized the independence of Bulgaria, also decided what form the new government should take. They laid down the essential principles of public law for the Principality. Thus, Bulgaria’s constitutional system was not only the result of its national struggle but also the outcome of international agreements Istanbul Tour Guides.

Ancient Bulgarian Kingdom

Very little is known about the detailed political organisation of the ancient Bulgarian state. In its earliest form, the government appears to have been aristocratic. The king was given absolute authority, but he was assisted by a council of six great noblemen, called boliars. From this title comes the word “boliarstvo,” meaning nobility.

The royal court included many pages, equerries, and lesser nobles who came from different regions of the kingdom. The noblemen and the clergy together shared political power, often leaving little influence to the common people.

Social Conditions in the Past

Another important feature of the old Bulgarian kingdom was the existence of serfdom. From the very beginning, peasants worked the land under the authority of nobles and landowners. This system gave great power to the aristocracy and the church, but limited the freedom of the majority of the population.

The study of Bulgaria’s political organisation shows a sharp contrast between the ancient kingdom and the modern Principality. While the old system was based on aristocracy, serfdom, and the influence of the church, the modern Bulgarian state began under a constitutional framework created with the help of foreign powers. Although young, this system laid the foundation for Bulgaria’s political development in the years to come.