Among Latin-American nations, Colombia offers a unique opportunity for a study in comparative governmental methods and institutions. In 1958 Colombia initiated an extraordinary political experiment in controlled democracy: the two traditional parties, Liberal and Conservative, agreed on absolute parity of representation from national to local level. This is a study of that experiment. Originally published in 1962. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.