Civic and Ethical Foundations: Key Concepts Defined

Ethics

A set of moral norms governing the conduct of a person in any area of life.

Moral

A code of behavior that human societies are endowed with, defining what is right and wrong.

Moral Law

The laws established by each society, affecting the entire nation.

Religious Morality

It depends on each person's religion.

Social Morality

Rules society imposes in areas that are neither legal nor religious.

Family Morality

For example, rules parents impose.

Personal Morality (Children)

For example, whether a child allows themselves to be bothered or not in class.

Counselor

Equivalent to a minister, but specific to each Autonomous Community.

Historical Note: French Revolution and Women's Rights

During the French Revolution (1789), under Louis XVI, a declaration of women's rights was proposed but immediately withdrawn.

Political Party

A political group that aims to organize the country.

Union

A group of workers who defend their labor rights.

Suffragettes

A women's group from the late 19th and early 20th centuries who sought to allow women to vote.

Women's Suffrage in Spain

Women in Spain voted for the first time in the Second Republic (1933-1934).

Aragonese Regional Law

This is the traditional, medieval law specific to Aragon that still persists.

Councilman

The representative of the people at City Hall.

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

• Universal Suffrage

  All eligible citizens can vote.

• Restricted or Censitary Suffrage

  Only some citizens can vote, typically based on property, income, or education.

Hellas

A group of city-states called polis.

Democracy

A political doctrine whereby power rests with the people.

Electoral Processes and Representatives

• General Elections

  Elect national representatives and senators.

• Municipal Elections

  Elect council members.

• Autonomic Elections

  Elect regional deputies.

• European Parliament Elections

  Elect EU deputies.

Referendum

A vote in which the people are asked to approve or reject something that has been approved by the council or parliament.

Census

A document that compiles data on all citizens of a country.

• Municipal Census

  Updated every 10 years, with an interleaved update every 5 years.

The Spanish Constitution

The highest law of Spain, approved by the Cortes on October 31, 1978. It was ratified in a referendum by the Spanish people on December 27, 1978. The King promulgated it on December 29, 1978, and it was published in the Official State Gazette, coming into operation on January 1, 1979.

Parts of the Constitution

• Part I: Dogmatic Part

  Comprises the Preamble, Preliminary Title, and Title I.

• Part II: Organic Part (Body of the Constitution)

  Consists of Titles II to X, inclusive.

• Part III: Final Part

  Comprises the concluding provisions.

Majority Rules

• Simple Majority

  When the option with the most votes wins, even if it's not over 50%.

• Absolute Majority

  When an option receives more than half of the total votes (50% + 1).

Plebiscite

A vote asking the people to ratify something that has been approved by the council or parliament.

Dogma

Originates from Latin and is a proposition based on a firm, undeniable principle, often in science or religion.