Spain's Government Structure: Local, Provincial, and Autonomous Levels

Territorial and Administrative Organization of Spain

1. Local Government

• The municipality (cities, towns, or villages) is the basic territorial division.
• Its government is in charge of the Councils, which are made up of the Mayor and several Councilors.
• Councils are responsible for providing essential services for citizens, including:
  • Street lighting
  • Cleaning services
  • Roads and pavements
  • Libraries
  • Sports centers

2. Provincial Government

• Spain is organized into 50 provinces.
• A province is a group of municipalities governed by the Provincial Deputation, whose mission is to promote municipal cooperation.

Exceptions to the Provincial Deputation Structure

• Foral Deputation: Applies to the Basque Provinces and Navarre.
• Island Governments:
  • Balearic Islands: Governed by Insular Councils.
  • Canary Islands: Governed by Cabildos.

3. Autonomous Government

• Spain is organized into 17 Autonomous Communities and two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla).
• Each community has a Statute of Autonomy.

Institutional Organization of Autonomous Communities

1. Legislative Assembly: Elected by universal suffrage every 4 years and responsible for making laws.
2. Governing Council: Performs executive and administrative functions.
3. High Court of Justice: The highest legal body within the jurisdictional territory.