POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF SPAIN

THE POLITICAL SYSTEM

The political system in Spain is regulated by the Spanish Constitution

Basic principles

·Spain is a democratic state

·Political structure → parliamentary monarchy: the King is the head of state, though he hasn´t got

political power.

·Its system of government is based on the separation of powers:

Executive branch

Legislative branch

Judicial branch

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH: THE PARLIAMENT

The Spanish Parliament consists of a lower house, the Congresss of Deputies, and an upper house,

the Senate.

It is elected by citizens every four years in a general election.

THE EXECUTIVE POWER

It comprises the prime minister (presidente del gobierno) and ministers. They apply laws and

propose laws to Parliament.

COURTS OF JUSTICE

They exercise the judicial power.

It comprises judges and magistrates.

OTHER IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS

Ombudsman: A person appointed by The Parliament that attends

the complaints and claims of the Spanish people and safeguard

their rights and freedoms.

The Court of Auditors: they control the management and use

of public funds.

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

The Spanish Constitution gathers the duties and also the rights and freedoms of

citizens, whose preservation and observance are under the

responsibility of The Constitutional Courts.

TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION

OF SPAIN

The 1978 Constitution establishes a decentralized

state model.

Today there are 17 autonomous communities in Spain. Besides, Ceuta and

Melilla, 2 cities in the north of Africa, are recognized as

autonomous regions.

Sevilla is a province: Municipalities of Sevilla: