Silent Revolution
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The Silent Revolution resulted in the creation of the present system of parliamentary democracy in place in Glytter. Led by a number of prominent liberal politicians influenced by the Euclean Spring of the mid-nineteenth century, the Silent Revolution resulted in a number of major changes to the Ghaillish constitution, which was adopted in 1814. Dónall Ó Conaill, incumbent Laird Chancellor, was the most prominent member of the Silent Revolution, which earned its name from the comparatively quiet nature of the political changes implemented in Glytter. Demands for greater political representation and a system of government more in line with other Euclean states drove the reformists.
As a result of the Silent Revolution, the Instrument for Governance of 1857 was passed by the Seanad Glítteann, alternated the 1814 constitution by making the legislature bicameral. The Comhthionól Náisiúnta was created as the lower house of the newly created Tionól and became its principal chamber. The reforms also saw the creation of the office of the taoiseach, which would serve as the nation's prime minister. Ó Conaill negotiated with Elton I in order to secure royal support of the reforms. For his part, the king largely accepted the reforms and relinquished significant authority to the office of the taoiseach.
Elections were held after the reforms were implemented. Voting rights were extended to all citizens over the age of twenty-one, lowering the age from twenty-five and abolishing the prerequisite of owning property in order to vote.
Other prominent reformists involved in the Silent Revolution were Úna nic an t-Saoir, Seoirse Mac Giolla Eáin, and Róisín Nic Coinneach. Prince James, later James IV, was also a supporter of the movement, and successfully lobbied his father into accepting the reforms with minimal resistance.
Background
Before the Silent Revolution, Glytter was governed in accordance with the 1814 constitution. Legislative power was vested in the Seanad Glítteann, which was partially democratic. A representative for each of Glytter's twenty-five counties was elected every four year. Originally, the Seanad was composed of the twenty five elected senators, twenty hereditary peers, nine Lairds Spiritual, six Lairds Academia, and four senators appointed directly by the monarch. The new legislature replaced the Déisi Glítteann, which was a council of the nation's nobility. With the abolition of the Déisi, the existing system of tanistry was altered so that the monarch had the power to name their heir apparent from among the righdamhna, a power that was previously invested in the Déisi.
Mary III played a central role in the adoption of the constitution, nominating the liberal Aoibheann Ní Chuinn to the position in 1812. The position of Laird Chancellor has its earliest roots in the thirteenth century during the reforms of King Alastar. The expansion of the powers of the Déisi in the seventeenth century limited the powers of the monarch and in turn the Laird Chancellor. However, both the monarch and the Laird Chancellor retained significant authority. Such authority remained in place after the implementation of the 1814 constitution. Executive authority was officially held by the monarch, who would delegate such authority to the Laird Chancellor. The Laird Chancellorship was almost always held by peer or bishop.
Instrument for Governance of 1857
The Comhthionól Náisiúnta was created in order to serve as the lower house of the now bicameral legislature, which was to be known as the Tionól. The Instrument for Governance mandated that the Comhthionól be composed of 400 elected representatives, to be known as Teachti Comhthionól (TCs). TCs were to be elected from constituencies across the nation. The position of Laird Chancellor was also abolished and replaced by the newly created office of the Taoiseach, who had to chosen from among the Comhthionól. The privy council was also abolished and replaced by the Crown Council, which was composed of representatives of the monarch, TCs, and the Great Offices of State. Government ministries to implement and oversee government initiatives were also created independently of the council and made up the Cabinet.