Responsible Government Association
Encyclopedia
The Responsible Government Association (RGA) was a political party
in Southern Rhodesia
that fought the 1920 election to the colony's Legislative Council
. Its main policy was one for advocating responsible government
for Southern Rhodesia within the British Empire
, as opposed to incorporation into South Africa
.
Founded in 1917, the party was led by Sir Charles Coghlan
. The RGA was allied to the Labour Party
, whilst their main opponents were the Unionists, who advocated union with South Africa. The party's cause won the 1922 referendum on whether to unite with South Africa or gain responsible government. Southern Rhodesia was made self-governing and semi-independent the following year, and Coghlan became the first Premier of Southern Rhodesia. The party continued as the Rhodesia Party, which had a broader base of support, including a number of former Unionists into the cabinet.
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in Southern Rhodesia
Southern Rhodesia
Southern Rhodesia was the name of the British colony situated north of the Limpopo River and the Union of South Africa. From its independence in 1965 until its extinction in 1980, it was known as Rhodesia...
that fought the 1920 election to the colony's Legislative Council
Southern Rhodesian Legislative Council
The Southern Rhodesian Legislative Council was the inaugural governing body for the British territory of Southern Rhodesia before its replacement by the Southern Rhodesian Legislative Assembly in 1923....
. Its main policy was one for advocating responsible government
Responsible government
Responsible government is a conception of a system of government that embodies the principle of parliamentary accountability which is the foundation of the Westminster system of parliamentary democracy...
for Southern Rhodesia within the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
, as opposed to incorporation into South Africa
Union of South Africa
The Union of South Africa is the historic predecessor to the present-day Republic of South Africa. It came into being on 31 May 1910 with the unification of the previously separate colonies of the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and the Orange Free State...
.
Founded in 1917, the party was led by Sir Charles Coghlan
Charles Patrick John Coghlan
Sir Charles Patrick John Coghlan was the first Premier of Southern Rhodesia and held office from October 1, 1923 until his death on August 28, 1927....
. The RGA was allied to the Labour Party
Rhodesia Labour Party
The Rhodesia Labour Party was a political party which existed in Southern Rhodesia from 1923 until the 1950s. Originally formed on the model of the British Labour Party from trade unions and being especially dominated by railway workers, it formed the main opposition party from 1934 to 1946...
, whilst their main opponents were the Unionists, who advocated union with South Africa. The party's cause won the 1922 referendum on whether to unite with South Africa or gain responsible government. Southern Rhodesia was made self-governing and semi-independent the following year, and Coghlan became the first Premier of Southern Rhodesia. The party continued as the Rhodesia Party, which had a broader base of support, including a number of former Unionists into the cabinet.