Politics of Spain

Spain is a hereditary monarchy with parliamentary-democratic system of government.

Principle

According to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Spain is a social and democratic state of law. The state is based on the principles of freedom, justice, equality and political pluralism. The state authority emanates from the people of Spain. It is a carrier of national sovereignty.

System of government at the national level

Legislature

Main article → Cortes Generales

The legislative function, Parliament. It's called Cortes Generales and is divided into two chambers. The House of Representatives, Congreso de los Deputies, has at least 300 and at most 400 seats. They are elected by universal, free, equal, direct and secret ballot. The Senate, Senado, the chamber of territorial representation. The Senate has 250 members. Most are elected by the people. About 50 senators are appointed by the autonomous communities of Spain. The Parliament's tasks are in addition to the legislation and the approval of the state budget and the government's control.

A person can belong to only one chamber. Are entitled to vote to all adult Spanish citizens who are in full possession of their political rights.

Executive

Head of state

The head of state is the king, Juan Carlos I at the time. The king is also the supreme commander of the armed forces. Similar to the role of the President of Germany, the King has only representative functions. He confirmed laws and is responsible for the appointment and dismissal of the government.

Prime minister

The Prime Minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy at the time, was similar to the German Federal policy-making powers for the central government. The Prime Minister is appointed by the king and must be approved by Parliament. He can dissolve the Cortes Generales and cause premature elections.

Judiciary

The Constitutional Court, Tribunal Constitucional de España, is responsible in constitutional cases.

For all other cases, the Supreme Court, Tribunal Supremo, a structure with specialized courts at regional, provincial and local levels is facing. The management of the judiciary ( with the exception of the Constitutional Court ) is up to the General Council of the Judicial Power.

Administrative Divisions

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities. Added to this are the two enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. The autonomous regions are themselves divided into up to nine provinces.