Key Aspects of the Spanish Constitution: Finance, Territory, and Justice

Finance and Economy (Title VII)

19. The power to tax resides in the State.

20. Autonomous regions and municipalities can also contribute taxes in accordance with the laws and the Constitution.

21. The general State budgets are prepared by the Government for review, amendment, and approval by the Cortes (Parliament). If budgets are not approved, the previous budgets are extended. Once approved, laws can be passed.

Territorial Organization (Title VIII)

22. Spain is organized territorially into municipalities, provinces, and autonomous communities.

23. Principle of Unity: Several autonomous communities exist, autonomous but none has privileges over others. Principle of Solidarity: The most disadvantaged autonomous communities are helped by other communities.

24. Statute of Autonomy: A set of basic laws for each autonomous community. These laws define:

• The name of the community.
• The territory it occupies.
• Its institutions and competencies.

25. Possible Competencies of Autonomous Communities:

• Organization of their own institutions.
• Self-planning, urbanism, and housing.
• Alteration of municipal public works.
• Public works that do not exceed the territory of the autonomous community.
• Internal fairs.
• Each autonomous community's monumental heritage.
• Education.
• Hygiene and health.
• Museums and libraries.
• Promotion of tourism.
• Promotion of sport.

26. Exclusive State Competencies:

• Army and armed forces.
• Monetary system.
• Transport infrastructure (exceeding regional scope).
• The State's General Treasury.

27. Delegate of the Government: An official sent by the central government to coordinate its actions with the autonomous community government.

28. Interterritorial Compensation Fund: From the State budgets, funds are allocated to less developed autonomous communities to achieve equilibrium with other autonomous communities.

The Constitutional Court (Title XI)

29. It has jurisdiction throughout Spain and is above any other court in Spain (including the Supreme Court). It arbitrates disputes between autonomous communities and the State.

Constitutional Reform (Title X)

To reform certain aspects of the Constitution, a request must be made by at least 10% of parliamentarians. For adoption, it requires a 2/3 majority in each chamber. After approval, the Cortes (Parliament) are dissolved, and the reform must be ratified by a referendum with over 2/3 approval.