Political Systems, Global Relations & Key Governance Concepts

The Constitution

• It is the highest law, the foundational document where all rules are defined.
• It defines the state, the rights, and the obligations of people.
• It limits the power of institutions.
• In a democracy, citizens participate by voting for electors or in a referendum.

Forms of Government

Referendum: Is a legal process in which laws are put under popular vote for ratification. This may result in the adoption of a new law or the renovation of an existing one.

Dictatorship: The absolute power of the state is concentrated in one person or group, such as an army, an ethnic group, a religious leader, or a political party.

Dictators often use violence to gain power, frequently through a revolution.

Characteristics of Dictatorship:

• No citizen participation
• No separation of powers
• Violation of human rights
• There are no institutions to defend people.

Monarchy: The head of state is a king or queen who can pass power to his or her heirs. Monarchies can be democracies or dictatorships.

Republic: The head of the state is a president. It can be a democracy (elected by the citizens) or a dictatorship (elected by the group in power).

Theocracy: Sacred books are the law, and clerics rule the country or hold significant influence.

Relations Between States

Peaceful Relations: States sign pacts and agreements to establish obligations between states for specific actions.

Economic Conflicts: These occur when the economic interests of two or more states conflict.

Objectives of the UN

• Support human rights
• Maintain peace
• Promote international cooperation

Key UN Organizations:

UNICEF: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Promotes children's rights, their survival, development, and protection.

UNESCO: Promotes international cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, and communication.

FAO: Promotes international programs to defeat hunger and improve nutrition.

WHO: Aims to achieve the highest possible level of health for all people.

UNHCR: Coordinates international actions to protect refugees.

ILO: Promotes decent working conditions.

Differences Between State and Nation

The state is a political organization that governs a territory, and a nation is a group of people with a common identity.

Spain's Organization

Spain is organized into autonomous communities and two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla).