The small Greek state contains within its borders scarcely one-third of the Greek populations of the Near and Middle East, and the struggle to expand the nation's borders is to dominate the first century of independent statehood.

In spite of the new constitution of 1864, the Greek political system remains deeply flawed.

Seven general elections will be held From 1865 to 1875, and eighteen different administrations hold office.

King George can and does create and dismiss governments if legislation or a budget fails to pass, so political leaders constantly juggle competing interests to keep fragile ruling coalitions together.

Often the king asks leaders of minority parties to form governments while more significant legislative figures are overlooked, actions that are a recipe for political gridlock as well as a mockery of the democratic process.