El Sistema Político Español explicado para Extranjeros

Summary

Spain operates as a parliamentary monarchy, with King Felipe VI as a symbolic figurehead. The Prime Minister and ministers hold executive power, elected by the citizens. Legislative power rests with the General Courts, consisting of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate. The judiciary, independent of the other branches, is overseen by the Supreme Court and the National Court. The Constitution of 1978 guarantees democracy and citizens' rights.

Takeaways

• 👑 Spain is a parliamentary monarchy with King Felipe VI as the head of state, but he has limited power and serves mainly as a ceremonial figurehead.
• 🏛️ The Prime Minister, currently leading the Government of Spain, holds the executive power along with ministers and is elected democratically.
• 🌍 The legislative power is vested in the General Courts, which are divided into two houses: Congress of Deputies and Senate.
• 👥 The Congress of Deputies consists of 350 MPs representing various political parties and is elected every 4 years by the Spanish citizens.
• 🗽 The Senate represents the Spanish territory with senators chosen by provinces, islands, and autonomous cities, as well as by regional parliaments.
• ⚖️ The judiciary power is independent and is exercised by judges and magistrates, ensuring checks and balances on the legislative and executive branches.
• 🏢 The Supreme Court and the National Court are the two most important tribunals in Spain, overseeing the judiciary power.
• 📚 The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) is responsible for selecting judges and magistrates in the Spanish judicial system.
• 📜 Spain's Constitution of 1978 is the fundamental legal document that outlines the political system, territorial divisions, and rights and obligations of citizens.
• 🌐 The Constitution was established after the death of dictator Francisco Franco and represents Spain's transition to a democratic nation.

Q & A

What type of political system does Spain have?

Spain has a parliamentary monarchy.

Who is the current King of Spain?

The current King of Spain is Felipe VI.

What is the role of the King in Spain's political system?

The King of Spain acts as a ceremonial figurehead, symbolizing the unity of the country, moderating during political tensions, and representing Spain in official events and state visits.

Who holds the executive power in Spain?

The executive power in Spain is held by the President of the Government (Prime Minister) and the rest of the ministers that form the Government of Spain.

What is the legislative power in Spain?

The legislative power in Spain is held by the General Courts, which are split into two houses: the Congress of Deputies and the Senate.

How many deputies make up the Congress of Deputies in Spain?

The Congress of Deputies is formed by 350 MPs or deputies.

How often are the deputies in the Congress of Deputies elected?

The deputies are elected every 4 years through general elections.

How is the Senate in Spain composed?

The Senate represents the Spanish territory with each mainland province choosing 4 senators, major islands choosing 3, minor islands choosing 1, and autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla selecting 2 senators each. Some senators are also chosen by regional parliaments of autonomous communities.

What is the role of the judiciary power in Spain?

The judiciary power in Spain is independent from the legislative and executive branches and is held by judges and magistrates. It can condemn actions of the Government if they are unconstitutional.

What are the two most important tribunals in Spain?

The two most important tribunals in Spain are the Supreme Court and the National Court.

Which institution is responsible for choosing judges and magistrates in Spain?

The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) is responsible for choosing judges and magistrates in the Spanish judicial system.

What is the significance of the Constitution of 1978 in Spain?

The Constitution of 1978 is the most important legal document in Spain, establishing the form of government, territorial divisions, rights and obligations of citizens, and serving as the foundation of Spain's democracy.