Spanish Political Structure: Government and Autonomy
Government Powers
- Legislative: Congress and Senate
- Executive: Government
- Judicial: Judges and magistrates
Background of Autonomous Communities
The concept of autonomy was recognized in 1907 and formally established in the 1978 Constitution. Historical developments include:
- 1923: Primo de Rivera's coup halted autonomic development.
- Second Republic: Calvo Sotelo initiated minimal administrative decentralization.
- Post-Civil War: Autonomy was frozen until 1975.
- Pre-autonomy: 13 pre-autonomous bodies existed, excluding Madrid, Santander, Logroño, León, and Navarre.
Statute of Autonomy
These are basic institutional rules recognized by the State as having the force of Organic Law, integrated into the national legal system.
Fundamental Elements
- Denomination: Reflects the community's historical identity.
- Territorial Delimitation: Defined boundaries.
- Powers: Assumed within the framework of the Constitution and the transfer of services.
Autonomous Communities and Cities
Spain consists of 17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities. Between 1981 and the terms of Calvo Sotelo, Felipe González, and Aznar, the current map of 17 autonomies was finalized, with further enlargements occurring after 1985.
Institutional Structure
- Legislative Assembly
- Governing Council
- President
Local Administration
The origin of local administration is found in medieval times. Municipalities grouped cities and towns around the King's power to reduce the influence of feudal lords. Municipalities are considered distinct instances of power rather than separate bodies from the central government.
Provincial Development
- 1833: Javier de Burgos created provinces as entities for state services.
- 1903-1907: Moret and Maura attempted the first municipal statutes.
- Dictatorship: Primo de Rivera issued municipal and provincial statutes.
Definitions
- Municipality: A territory with a population, democratic government, and legal capacity to achieve its goals.
- Province: Composed of councils and mayors who elect the provincial deputy, who in turn elects the president of the county council.