In addition, Colombia's political system has been different from other Latin American countries in the sense that it has a long history of partidist politics, usually fair and regular elections, and the respect for political and civil rights. Colombia has had two traditional predominant parties--the Liberals and the Conservatives-that have competed for power since the mid-nineteenth century and have rotated frequently as the governing party. Moreover, Colombia's conservative Roman Catholic Church traditionally has been more influential than the military not only in electing presidents and influencing elections, but also in the political socialization of its population. Additionally, the Colombian military has become somewhat more assertive in national security decision-making as a result of the growing and more unified Guerrilla insurgency and the increasing terrorism from drug traffickers. However, Colombia has had a long tradition of military subordination to civilian authority. On many occasions during the 1970's and 1980's military leaders attempted to challenge civilian authority and failed as the incumbent president dismissed them. At the same time, a contradictory feature of Colombia's long democratic tradition has been its high level of political violence that started on the 1940's and its has continued until today. This violence includes left-wing insurgency and terrorism, right-wing paramilitary activity, and narcoterrorism. Consequently, Colombia currently leaves under a constitutionally authorized state of siege invoked to deal with civil disturbances, insurgency, and terrorism. For instance, as a result of the violence in Colombia, during the mid-1980's there was this political atmosphere in which the government was losing control over the country's rampaging violence. It was perceived that even if the Guerrillas laid down their arms, violence by narcotics traffickers, death squads, and common criminals would continue to bring terror to the political and social arenas.